The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures  and  cooling efficiency, which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency.The efficiency of air conditioners is expressed using a measure referred to as the SEER rating. SEER is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating of any air conditioning unit basically means how much cooling output the unit produces divided by the amount of electrical energy it uses. SEER rating allows anyone who is so inclined to calculate the kilowatts per hour that it would cost to operate an air conditioning unit. I’ve never met anyone who cared to calculate how many kilowatts per hour their AC unit uses. For most people, the best way to use an air conditioner’s SEER rating is to view it in relative terms to the SEER rating of other models. For example, if you were trying to decide between a 13 SEER air conditioner and a 16 SEER model, you would probably just want to know that the 16 SEER unit is approximately 20% more energy efficient than the 13 SEER unit.

(about 23% more efficient to be more precise) To make things easy for you, here is a list of how much of an increase in energy efficiency some of the most popular air conditioning units provide over a 13 SEER unit.apartment size ac unitAs you know, our primary focus on PowerTips is to provide you with tips, tactics, and techniques for building a strong, consistently profitable remodeling company. ac heater unit not workingBut sometimes we just need to make sure you’re on top of the latest industry news! best 4 ton ac unitsThis week we’re proud to have Stefanie Petersen with Ferguson to share the key changes to HVAC Efficiency standards in 2015. In April 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed upcoming changes for HVAC efficiency standards for residential and commercial equipment.

However, according to a survey by Emerson Climate Technologies Inc., 74 percent of contractors are unaware of the change and how to best prepare their staff and inventory to meet customer demand and new regulations. Below are key aspects every remodeler should know. New Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards will be enforced for air conditioners and heat pumps installed on or after January 1, 2015; however, standards differ by region. The current 13 SEER standard for air conditioners will move to 14 SEER in most areas, but 13 SEER air conditioning units can still be sold in the northern region. The most significant product change regarding the new regulations involves all split-system heat pumps. All regions will move from 13 SEER and 7.7 HSPF, Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, to the new national heat pump efficiency minimum of 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF. Additionally, the changes also affect the FTC EnergyGuide label, commonly referred to as the yellow “hang tag”, attached to the heating and cooling system.

The label contains SEER and HSPF ratings for the unit in relation to similar models. Instead of a single rating point, new labels for split-system air conditioners and heat pumps will now be shown in a range representing the lowest and highest SEER ratings for all the condenser’s certified coil combinations. This means all of the component parts in the entire system, inside and out, must have an aggregate SEER that meets the new guidelines. Education surrounding the new standards is key, as enforcement will begin in less than five months. Remodelers and contractors should be able to identify that the equipment being installed meets the minimum standards of the new regulations as well as meets the needs of the customer. The majority of U.S. manufacturers already offer 14 SEER heat pump systems, and many manufacturers may spruce up current 14 SEER designs to meet product demands for 2015 inventory stocking. While the changes are effective January 1, 2015, the new regulation also includes an 18-month grace period for distributors to sell their remaining inventory.

Image courtesy of Emerson Climate Technologies HVAC Standards: What's Changed in Your Region? Important changes are taking place that could affect the efficiency of your next heating or cooling system. Choosing the efficiency of your new furnace, air conditioner or heat pump is one of the most crucial decisions you will make in terms of long-term performance, initial system costs andHowever, now you may now have to take more than just the Efficiency standards change as new information becomes available to governmental agencies and new technology is developed by heating and coolingIf you were to purchase a new system 15 years ago, it may have only been between 6 and 10 SEER. New efficiency standards, even those in place before the most recent change, blow those old figures out of the water. to 2015, units had to be manufactured to meet at least 13 SEER. heating efficiency, heat pumps and gas furnaces had to be rated at least 7.7

HSPF and 78% AFUE respectively. All of these ratings were national in the past – a homeowner in Florida could have a 13 SEER air conditioner and so could a homeowner in Minnesota. Now, with the new changes, efficiency ratings will vary for air conditioners. Changes to Regional Efficiency Guidelines The Department of Energy has ruled that some parts of the country will have to meet Regional efficiency standards. These will take effect for split system and packaged air conditioners starting 2015. Homeowners in the North will adhere to the old minimum efficiency standard (of 13 SEER) – while homeowners in the South and the Southwest must meet at least 14 SEER. Additionally, the Southwest will have an EER minimum requirement to meet. A split system air conditioner installed in a home in the Southwest will also have to meet 12.2 EER (if it works below 45,000 BTU/H) or 11.7 EER (if it works above 45,000 BTU/H). Furthermore, the Southwest will also have an EER requirement for package air

conditioners (although all regions throughout the nation will have to meet a new minimum SEER rating of 14 SEER). Equipment installed in homes in the Southwest must also be rated at 11.0 EER. Changes to National Efficiency Guidelines Homeowners everywhere should be concerned with the changes to national energyThese will take effect for split system heat pumps and allAfter January 1, 2015, split system heat pumps will have to be rated at a minimum of 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF. Packaged air conditioners and packaged heat pumps will have to meet a minimum of 14 SEER – a one-SEER jumpThe minimum-efficiency rating for gas/electric packaged units will also be raised. They will now have to be rated at a minimum of 14 SEER What This Means for Homeowners When purchasing a new air conditioner, heat pump or packaged system, homeowners will need to keep these efficiency standards in mind. both performance and monetary benefits that come with choosing a high-efficiency

heating or cooling system. If you already have a heating or cooling system that meets the efficiency standards it may improve the resale value of your home. However, the biggest benefit will come in the form of money-saving, efficientWhen you have an ultra-high-efficiency HVAC system, the unit will maximize the amount of cooling or heating power extracted from a given amountThis can cut money from your monthly utility bills. and cooling costs can comprise a significant chunk – 44% of monthly utility costs – maximizing efficiency is a good way to keep money in your pocket at the end of each month.In addition to raising the minimum efficiency level requirements for equipment on a national level, the Department of Energy is enacting a policy that would affect the efficiency of equipment purchased in different areas of the country – either the North, South or Southwest. A 13-SEER air conditioner won’t be good enough if you live in

Florida, but while in Minnesota you could be completely fine. If you are looking for the peak of heating and cooling efficiency and performance, a Frigidaire system can address your needs. Frigidaire has one of the most efficient air conditioners available – the 25.5 SEER iQ Drive® air conditioner. This unit can modulate from 40% to 118% capacity using an inverter-driven rotary compressor. capabilities lead to some of the most efficient performance and home comfortPlus, this unit is significantly over minimum-efficiency standards Which region are you in? Now it's time to figure out how your system selection would be influenced. would be considered a northern state. States that are considered to be a part of the northern region include: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont,