What does the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measure?

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) specifically measures the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning or heat pump system over an entire cooling season. It is calculated by dividing the total cooling output (measured in British thermal units, or BTUs) provided during the cooling season by the total electric energy input (measured in watt-hours) consumed by the system during that same period. A higher SEER rating indicates a more efficient system, meaning it provides more cooling output for less energy consumed.

This measurement is particularly important because it gives homeowners an idea of how energy-efficient their cooling system will be over the course of the warm months, allowing for better energy cost predictions and comparisons between different systems. By focusing on seasonal rather than just peak performance, the SEER provides a more realistic representation of efficiency based on typical usage patterns.