Does higher SEER rating units cool better or just more energy efficient?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I am looking at purchasing a mini-split. They have two models that are 22k BTU, but one UNIT has a SEER rating of 15, and the other unit is 19. The 19 SEER unit pull 8.4 amps (220v) whereas the 15 SEER unit pulls 10.6 amps.

Since there is a price difference of nearly $500.00 between the two units, my question is will I notice a cooling difference between the two SEER ratings. If not, it sure seems like it would take a long time to recoup the extra $500 difference saving around 2 amps. What am I missing???

 

[The Cobbler]

the cooling is the BTU, the seer is energy consumption

 

[finn]

If you know the power consumption of each, your electric rate, and can make an estimate of run time, it's pretty easy to put numbers to payback time.

One uses around 25% less energy than the other per running hour.

 

[dreasoner]

SEER=Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating

 

[rjkobbeman]

At $0.12 per kWh, if the units ran 12 hours per day for 4 months out of the year, the lower SEER model would cost $68.43 per year more in electricity.

The lower SEER consumes 2.2 more amps, which is 528 watts... which is 0.528 kW. Multiply the kW times the hours you think the units will run times your kWh rate. Mine is about $0.12 per kWh on average.

Lots more variables, however the above should give you an idea.




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[theoldwizard1]

In MI, all the experts say don't waste your money on the super high SEER A/C units. The system won't last long enough to recover the cost !

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Thanks everyone!!

 

[rjkobbeman]

Payback depends on usage. In MI, air conditioning weather may not exist or last long. In southern IL, we use ours a lot. Farther south, even more. In my example above, payback would be 7.3 years.


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[rjkobbeman]

Any tax refunds due to installing can bring the payback down.


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[machsnell]

Any tax refunds due to installing can bring the payback down.


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What are those paybacks? How are they classified? If it is energy star then you can get a tax rebate?

I thought they had phased that out.

I am in the same boat and would like to put that into the equation.

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[finn]

You also have to look at your electric rate: The example used $0.12 per KWH.

Our rates locally are almost double that.

Also, look at the efficiency during the heating cycle, if using the unit for supplemental / seasonal heat.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

I dont know about mini splits,but on regular forced air systems some of the higher seer systems are more complicated/expensive to work on.

 

[brewchief]

I dont know about mini splits,but on regular forced air systems some of the higher seer systems are more complicated/expensive to work on.

Yeah some of the regular units are getting pretty complex, I did a 20 seer heat pump a couple weeks ago with an invertor driven compressor, lots of electronics.


Higher seer makes sense the longer you run it, areas with long cooling seasons would benefit most.
Heat pump changes things a bit as it adds a lot more run time throughout the year.

 

[bonneyman]

In MI, all the experts say don't waste your money on the super high SEER A/C units. The system won't last long enough to recover the cost !

This!

 

[Jackfre]

In MI, all the experts say don't waste your money on the super high SEER A/C units. The system won't last long enough to recover the cost !

Perhaps in MI it makes sense to go with the lower "seer" units. Generally, the low seer units also have a lower HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor) and in MI that can kill you in the heating season.

This conversation has so far, been only cooling, but for a couple hundred bucks you can buy the heat pump and have the additional flexibility in use. Buying cooling only mini-splits isn't a good idea.

If I was in your shoes I'd buy the high seer/hspf unit and enjoy the heating comfort as well.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Perhaps in MI it makes sense to go with the lower "seer" units. Generally, the low seer units also have a lower HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor) and in MI that can kill you in the heating season.

This conversation has so far, been only cooling, but for a couple hundred bucks you can buy the heat pump and have the additional flexibility in use. Buying cooling only mini-splits isn't a good idea.

If I was in your shoes I'd buy the high seer/hspf unit and enjoy the heating comfort as well.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Well ...I'm back after speaking with the Senville sales rep today. I had about convinced myself to purchase 7 of the 18,000BTU mini split units with a 15 SEER rating when he proceeds to tell me that all A/C units can be a heat pump, ...but if I plan to use it as a main source of heat for that room, I should strongly consider using the 19 SEER unit because it more efficiently generates heat when the temps outside are in the 20s & 30s.

What I cannot figure out is whether I am getting a 'sales pitch', --or whether he is being straight with me.

 

[manwithtools]

Well ...I'm back after speaking with the Senville sales rep today. I had about convinced myself to purchase 7 of the 18,000BTU mini split units with a 15 SEER rating when he proceeds to tell me that all A/C units can be a heat pump, ...but if I plan to use it as a main source of heat for that room, I should strongly consider using the 19 SEER unit because it more efficiently generates heat when the temps outside are in the 20s & 30s.

What I cannot figure out is whether I am getting a 'sales pitch', --or whether he is being straight with me.

Ha, all air conditioners can be heat pumps.... how fast can you run?

 

[theoldwizard1]

...but if I plan to use it as a main source of heat for that room, I should strongly consider using the 19 SEER unit because it more efficiently generates heat when the temps outside are in the 20s & 30s.

What I cannot figure out is whether I am getting a 'sales pitch', --or whether he is being straight with me.

Get the exact make and model numbers. Then look up the specs on the web. Most manufacturers will also have a yellow sticker that says the average cost of operation compared to other models from all manufacturers.

Mitsubishi is considered one of the best mini-split brands you can buy. This is some of their data. Compare it to what you are buying and what kind of low temperature you get in your area.

View media item 43975

 

[theoldwizard1]

Ha, all air conditioners can be heat pumps....

Not exactly true.

Without a reversing valve, one way valves and other plumbing you can not make and AC unit provide heat inside.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Senville make different sizes and different efficiency rated mini-split system. Check out this page.

If the models you are looking at don't have the government "Energy Star" logo

you can do better !

The 21 SEER heat pump only costs about $300 more. 6.5A vs 8.7A when cooling so it is a difference of 2.2A for the more efficient version.. Multiply that by 240V and then by the number of hours per year you will use it in cooling mode. Divide by 1000. This is kilowatt-hours. Ask your power company what you are paying for a kilowatt-hour.

 

[manwithtools]

Not exactly true.

Without a reversing valve, one way valves and other plumbing you can not make and AC unit provide heat inside.

You did not quote my whole post.

"Ha, all air conditioners can be heat pumps.... how fast can you run?"

I guess my humor was not delivered - I suggested he "run" away from this salesman who told him all air conditioners can be heat pumps. My comment "ha" was meant to inform the OP the salesman was misleading him.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Senville make different sizes and different efficiency rated mini-split system. Check out this page.

If the models you are looking at don't have the government "Energy Star" logo

you can do better !

The 21 SEER heat pump only costs about $300 more. 6.5A vs 8.7A when cooling so it is a difference of 2.2A for the more efficient version.. Multiply that by 240V and then by the number of hours per year you will use it in cooling mode. Divide by 1000. This is kilowatt-hours. Ask your power company what you are paying for a kilowatt-hour.

Actually, my building is on a fixed minimum usage (480v 600A 3Phase service) per month which we never will hit, so my power consumption on these two different units is minimal.

And, yes the price difference between the two units is only about $300 however that would equal about $2,100.00 total between the two different units. FWIW, the price they quoted if I would purchase 7 'Energy Star' rated units is $1100.00 a piece.

 

[404]

Not exactly true.

Without a reversing valve, one way valves and other plumbing you can not make and AC unit provide heat inside.

All window units are capable of heating as well as cooling. Just turn it around in the window.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Actually, my building is on a fixed minimum usage (480v 600A 3Phase service) per month which we never will hit, so my power consumption on these two different units is minimal.

Interesting ! So what did you decide ?

 

[yeldogt]

important to take into consideration the quality of the units.

The better units have a higher delta -- especially important in HP mode. Your not going to get a hyper heat unit for that price.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

important to take into consideration the quality of the units.

The better units have a higher delta -- especially important in HP mode. Your not going to get a hyper heat unit for that price.

Isn't the term "Hyper-heat" just used by Mitsubishi to describe their technology? Kinda like saying you are not going to get a Duramax in a Ford F350 for that price isn't it??


Based on the reviews and what I have read, Senville appears to be an up & coming company on the split-unit market. They have a 2 year/7 year warranty, ...and are about ½ the cost of a Daikin. Even the best price of the Mitsubishi units were almost $400 more per unit more. The way I am looking at it, even if 1 of the 7 units I purchase fails prematurely over what a Mitsubishi would, I am still over $1,500 ahead. I asked about the ability to purchase a condenser unit purchased outright from Senville, and I can do that also.

BTW, the SoGoodToBuy is the online US company of Senville which is based out of Montreal. I am going to gamble that Senville is coming on in the Split Unit market much like Hyundai & Kia have done in the recent years in the automotive market.