SEER rating question for Lennox

[canbonbon]

What does SEER rating of up to 21 means? Does it mean that it is sometimes 21 but at other times below it? Is there an average number they can give us where it stays. Any help would be appreciated. I am trying to see if it is worth spending more money on a "upto 21" system vs a 16/17 rated system.

Thanks,

[ampulman]

What does SEER rating of up to 21 means? Does it mean that it is sometimes 21 but at other times below it? Is there an average number they can give us where it stays. Any help would be appreciated. I am trying to see if it is worth spending more money on a "upto 21" system vs a 16/17 rated system.

Thanks,



The 'up to' claim can be misleading. The 21 may refer to a specific size(s), when combined with a specific evaporator coil or air handler (sometimes, a furnace).

You need to check the specs carefully, and look on the AHRI website to see what the combined rating is.

Amp

[beenthere]

It means at least one size and combination of that model series gets that rating.
And all the other ones get less. Sometimes much less.

You could get a unit that its series is rated up to 21 SEER, but your model only gets 16SEER.