What Is SEER Rating?

The SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is used to compare the energy efficiencies of different central air conditioners and heat pump systems.

SEER is calculated by dividing the total amount of cooling provided over a typical cooling season by the total electrical input during the same season. The SEER rating represents the maximum efficiency rating for a cooling unit or system. Similar to miles per gallon for a car, the higher the number, the more efficient the system.