How is seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) calculated?

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is a metric that measures the efficiency of air conditioning systems by comparing the total cooling output provided during a typical cooling season to the total electric energy input used during that same period. This is expressed mathematically as the total cooling output measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) divided by the total electric energy input measured in watt-hours (Wh).

This ratio indicates how effectively an air conditioning system uses energy to provide cooling; a higher SEER value signifies an energy-efficient system. Thus, option B accurately reflects the formula used to calculate SEER, emphasizing the relationship between the cooling output and the energy consumed.

The other potential options do not provide the correct formula for determining SEER and could lead to confusion about the relationship between output and input when evaluating energy efficiency in HVAC systems.