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Increase In SEER Impacts Minneapolis Homeowners

What a "SEER rating" means

The efficiency of central air conditioning units is governed by U.S. law and regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Every air conditioning unit sold in the United States is assigned an efficiency rating known as its “seasonal energy efficiency ratio” (SEER).

In technical terms, the SEER rating is defined as the total cooling output (in British thermal units or BTU) provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period, divided by its total energy consumption (in watt-hours) during the same period. More simply, the SEER rating is similar to the miles-per-gallon rating for automobiles. The more efficient the air conditioning equipment, the higher SEER rating – because less energy is used to do the job.

Minimum SEER standard to rise 30% in 2007

The minimum efficiency standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps has been at 10 SEER since 1992. In April 2004, the Bush Administration announced it would enforce a regulation standard change approved during the Clinton Administration to require all residential air conditioners in the United States after January 23, 2007 meet a minimum of 13 SEER rating.

What a higher SEER standard means for consumers

The higher the SEER rating, the lower the system's operating costs. The shift to a minimum 13 SEER standard in 2007 means new air conditioning systems will use less electricity compared to the current 10 SEER standard. In the future, the widespread use of SEER 13+ systems is expected to lower peak electricity demand during the summer, which can represent as much as 70% of peak demand in some states.

What a higher SEER standard means for manufacturers

Thanks to the availability of energy-efficient technologies – such as scroll compressors – most U.S. manufacturers of central air conditioners already offer systems rated at 13 SEER or higher – and some new systems even exceed 19 SEER. All manufacturers will be revamping their production lines and product offerings to meet the new 13 SEER standard by 2007.

How Minnesota homeowners should use SEER ratings

When buying an air conditioner, it's generally recommended to select the highest SEER system you can afford. You may want to calculate the payback period in which the new system will “pay for itself” in terms of lower utility bills. Sometimes the savings are enough to partially or fully offset the cost of the new system within a few years. This is an individual calculation provided by the contractor that factors in your home's size and the typical energy costs for area.

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