What does SEER stand for in the context of air conditioning systems?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a critical measure in the HVAC industry used to evaluate the efficiency of air conditioning systems. It represents the cooling output provided by an air conditioner, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), during an entire cooling season divided by the total energy consumed in watt-hours. A higher SEER rating indicates a more efficient system, meaning that it can provide the same cooling output using less energy compared to systems with lower SEER ratings.

Understanding SEER is important for selecting air conditioning systems, as it directly relates to both energy consumption and operating costs. Homeowners and professionals often utilize SEER ratings to compare different air conditioning units and make informed purchasing decisions that align with efficiency and cost-effectiveness goals.