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What is SEER
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a rating put out by the government to allow systems to be compared on an equal basis. This rating gives the consumer an idea of the energy usage. The higher the SEER, the lower the cost to operate. These numbers can be misleading to some degree, because they do not reflect design conditions of the system installed. This means that the balance point of any system reflect the systems ability to remove heat and humidity. Since we live in the most humid climate possible, a lower SEER might be justified if humidity removal is increased.
The SEER rating is at design conditions of 95 outdoor and 75 indoor. The higher the SEER in equipment design, the higher the SEER potential at outdoor conditions, lower than design temperatures. Since we are at design conditions only 5% of the time, SEER ratings are just one of many guidelines that should be considered when designing equipment for our special needs in the Gulf Coast area. A high SEER does not necessarily mean a low electric bill and/or a comfortable house. Proper component selection and excellent installation will reflect an overall balance point you must have to remove humidity in the Houston area.
How is this SEER test performed? Conditions are 95 outdoor and 80 degree indoor with 67 wet bulb. The air at this condition has 75 Grains of moisture per pound of air. Houston design conditions on the other hand, are 95 outdoor and 80 degrees indoor with 78 wet bulb. The air at this condition contains 131 Grains of moisture per pound of air. This is about 80% more moisture per pound of air. The higher the dry heat to wet heat removed, the higher the SEER. So in the Houston area, you always sacrifice more dry heat removal to get more wet heat removal. The SEER rating is the same in Phoenix as it is in Houston. No provisions are made for the removal of humidity in our climate.
Central City Air engineers the system for your exact needs. Ask about our special coil selection to address your comfort demands.
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