What is the efficiency rating for a central air conditioner?

The efficiency rating for a central air conditioner is measured using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). SEER is a crucial metric that represents the cooling output of an air conditioner divided by the energy it consumes over a typical cooling season. This ratio provides a comprehensive understanding of the unit's energy efficiency in varying outdoor temperatures, making it particularly relevant for assessing central air conditioning systems.

SEER is a seasonal metric designed to reflect the efficiency during the entire cooling season, as opposed to a specific moment in time or under ideal conditions. This distinction is important for consumers and builders looking to understand long-term energy consumption and costs associated with air conditioning.

While other metrics exist for different types of HVAC equipment, such as Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for determining cooling efficiency at specific conditions, Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heat pumps, and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces, SEER is specifically tailored to evaluate the performance efficiency of central air conditioners throughout the season. This focused application reinforces why SEER is the correct answer.