An AC system is a huge investment, so it’s important to get it right the first time. Ongoing maintenance and repairs because the AC isn’t getting the job down can add up to frustration and high costs, so before you start researching systems, there are two acronyms you need to be aware of: SEER and BTU. You might already be familiar with the Energy Star stamp of approval, which means the AC unit meets EPA requirements for energy efficiency. However, SEER and BTU are equally, if not more, important.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which as the name implies, is a seasonal reading. The cooling output is divided by total energy input to come to an average. The minimum SEER is 13, although for older ACs, it could be as low as 10. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the AC is. This number is also a good measure of comparison when looking at overall AC systems.
BTU stands for British Thermal Units and is used to measure the size of the AC unit. BTU was derived by an old-time formula of how much heat 1 ton of ice could remove in 24 hours. Fast-forwarding to today, BTU is used to select the right-sized AC for your home and if you’re into data, 1 ton = 12,000/BTU. If your AC is too small, then it won’t cool your house properly; too large, and you’re wasting a lot of energy. When planning the correct size AC, you need to also consider the size of your home, type of insulation, where the sun hits your house during the hottest part of the day, number of windows, etc.
If you need to install a new Air Conditioner, whether it’s an upgrade or for a new built, contact Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167 to schedule a consultation with one of our heating and cooling specialists. They will gather basic information about your home and make the best recommendations to help you stay comfortable, save money, and conserve energy.