Well how do you keep the cool air flowing well not spending a fortune? Well it all starts with SEER. The efficiency of a air conditioning system is measured by it’s SEER rating “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. This rating is set by Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the air conditioning system.

A SEER rating is the Btu rating cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input in watt hours during the same period.

For example, consider a 5000 BTU/h air-conditioning unit, with a SEER of 10, operating for a total of 1000 hours during an annual cooling season (e.g., 8 hours per day for 125 days).

The annual total cooling output would be:

5000 BTU/h * 8 h/day * 125 days = 5,000,000 BTU

With a SEER of 10, the annual electrical energy usage would be about:

5,000,000 BTU / 10 BTU/W·h = 500,000 W·h

The average power usage may also be calculated more simply by:

Average power = (BTU/h) / (SEER, BTU/W·h) = 5000 / 10 = 500 W

If your electricity cost is 20¢/kW·h, then your operating cost is:

0.5 kW * 20¢/kW·h = 10¢/h

Hope this helps clear up SEER ratings for everyone interested. So now that you know you can stay cool for less money with some informed shopping before installing your air conditioning system.

A-1 Ductworks is a Furnace and Duct Cleaning Company that specializes in Indoor Air Quality for the Fort McMurray Alberta Area. Contact us at 780-598-5966 for free estimates on Indoor Air Quality products and services