The Importance of Commercial HVAC System SEER Ratings

To get the best HVAC system for your commercial property, you have to consider several factors. This will help ensure long-term reliability and cost-to-performance ratios. The HVAC SEER rating is one key factor, and in today’s post, air conditioning and heating repair company Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning discusses its importance.

What Is a SEER Rating?

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is used to measure air conditioning system efficiency, and is calculated by dividing an air conditioner’s cooling output in a typical cooling season by its energy usage in watt-hours. Simply put, the higher the SEER rating, the more cooling you’ll get for your money.

SEER ratings are applicable to electrical HVAC systems. In comparison, heating systems that operate on gas or oil are rated by their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). If you’re checking out HVAC units on display, their SEER ratings are indicated on yellow “energy guide” labels on the units themselves.

The Benefits of HVAC Systems With High SEER Ratings

Your HVAC contractor will provide a list of HVAC systems that are sized for your commercial property. An HVAC system with a higher SEER rating may cost a bit more, but it offers the following benefits:

Energy savings. A more efficient HVAC system will provide more cooling (and heating if it’s a heat pump) to the dollar, which may result in significant savings on your annual heating and cooling budget.
Reliability. Unexpected HVAC breakdowns can lead to revenue loss if your tenants’ businesses depend on keeping their interior spaces cool, as is the case with those who keep computer servers in-house. HVAC systems with high SEER ratings will have more headroom that will prevent them from redlining. Fewer breakdowns can also mean additional savings on your AC repair budget.
Longer lifespan. HVAC systems with high SEER ratings are less susceptible to damage caused by wear and tear over its lifetime. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect a longer service life without sacrificing output, efficiency or long-term performance.

Call Schmitt for Your HVAC Needs

Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning is your leading provider of HVAC repair and installation services. Give us a call at (415) 522-0966. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in San Francisco and the surrounding communities.