Final answer:
The minimum SEER rating for new air conditioning systems is 14, indicating a measure of energy efficiency over a cooling season. EER, a related but distinct measure, rates steady-state efficiency of air conditioners and is expressed in Btu per hour divided by power in watts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for new air-conditioning systems in the United States varies based on regional requirements. However, as of the latest standards, the minimum SEER rating for new air conditioning systems is 14. This requirement helps to ensure energy efficiency and is a part of guidelines like those provided by the Department of Energy (DOE). The energy efficiency rating (EER) is related but different, as EER is a steady-state efficiency measure while SEER is calculated over an entire cooling season, taking into account variable temperatures and usage patterns.
The EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioning unit operates at a specific temperature, and is useful for comparing the efficiencies of different units. It is expressed in mixed units of British thermal units (Btu) per hour divided by the power input in watts, which provides a metric for consumers to consider when evaluating different air conditioner models for purchase. A higher EER indicates greater energy efficiency, meaning lower operational costs over time despite potentially higher initial prices.
The SEER rating is a form of a seasonal average called the seasonal EER, which reflects cooling efficiency over a range of outside temperatures experienced during the cooling season. In contrast, the EER provides a static efficiency rating at a particular temperature and interior load condition. Both metrics provide valuable information to consumers looking to purchase cost-effective and energy-saving air conditioning systems.