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| Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, is the heat pump industry standard for describing heat pump
energy efficiency. This ratio is comparable to the miles-per-gallon ratio on automobiles.
The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit. SEER does not reflect cooling
ability, only energy efficiency. A SEER 10 unit will cool just as well as a SEER 12 unit,
but will not be as energy efficient or economical. SEER is measured at an outdoor
temperature of 82º F, which in Phoenix, Arizona, is not always adequate. Many homeowners
do not use their heat pump when outside temperatures are at this level. Nevertheless, SEER
is useful for comparing the efficiency of various heat pumps. |
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Where summer temperatures are relatively high,
Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER, is more useful. EER is measured at an outside temperature
of 95º F, which is closer to conditions in the low desert. Manufacturers prefer to use
SEER in the advertising rather than EER, but EER values are available for all heat pumps. The Desert House Heat Pump is rated as a 12 SEER / 11.5 EER unit. |
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