What Is a Good SEER Rating for Ductless Cooling Systems?
Ductless mini-split HVAC systems have become increasingly popular in homes and businesses throughout the country. Efficiency is one of their main advantages, as they operate at such high levels that it reduces your energy bill and lessens your environmental impact. Their efficiency is measured through the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), Heat Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Read below to learn more about SEER, and then order a ductless mini-split system from ComfortUp today!
What Is a SEER Rating?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, often abbreviated as SEER, is the main measurement of ductless mini-split efficiency. SEER is calculated by dividing the total British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat removed from the air by the amount of energy required by the air conditioner to do so, measured in watts per hour. EER and SEER are very similar, but SEER factors into account different operating temperatures whereas EER is measured using one temperature only.
Why Is SEER Important?
Simply put, a higher SEER equals higher efficiency. While mini-splits are already more efficient than other HVAC systems, a highly efficient mini-split is very advantageous for home and business owners. An efficient mini-split results in little, if any, wasted energy produced by the system, which leads to significantly lower energy costs. This also leads to a reduced environmental impact.
SEER is considered important enough to be regulated by the government. In 2006, the federal government required that each new central HVAC system have a SEER rating of at least 13. However, a SEER rating of 16 is recommended as the minimum. This can help you save over $2,000 over the unit’s lifetime and reduces your greenhouse gas emission by approximately 30,000 pounds. The average SEER rating is between 15 and 18, but there are many mini-split systems with ratings into the 20s and 30s.
Ductless mini-splits require minimal maintenance, especially when compared to ducted central systems. This minimal maintenance goes a long way toward keeping the system operating efficiently, which can also keep your SEER high. Certain mini-split maintenance tasks that can help improve your SEER include filter cleaning and replacement.
Every four to six weeks, remove the filter and wipe it clean with a dry cloth. It will need to be replaced entirely annually or biannually, depending on your system and filter requirements. You can also wipe the exterior with a cloth and clear the pipes of any obstructions. These simple steps will ensure that your SEER rating does not drop over time. Specific filter maintenance may vary, depending on the make and model, so read the accompanying manual beforehand.
SEER Ratings of ComfortUp Systems
ComfortUp proudly carries ductless mini-split systems from the industry’s most trusted brands, and each product has a different SEER rating. For example, we sell GREE mini-split systems with SEER ratings up to 16, between 17 and 24, or higher than 30. The GREE Sapphire Wall Mount Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner has a SEER rating of 38, which is one of the highest available ratings on the market.
Our Mitsubishi and Panasonic mini-split systems SEER ratings range from up to 16, between 17 and 25, between 25 and 29, and greater than 30. Our highest-rated Mitsubishi system features a 33.1 SEER rating while our highest-rated Panasonic system has a 30.6 SEER rating.
Systems with higher SEER ratings may be more expensive not only because of the rating but a variety of other factors such as unit size and the number of indoor units. However, the higher initial purchasing cost will be offset by energy-bill savings over the long run. The higher the SEER rating, the more significant your energy-bill savings will be.
Call ComfortUp Today!
Now that you know all about SEER ratings, it’s time to order a mini-split for your home or business! ComfortUp sells a variety of different single and multi-zone mini-split systems, so there is certainly something to meet your heating and cooling needs. Call 1-855-337-0001 or contact us online to speak with a trained product specialist today. We can’t wait to help you!
