There is often a lot of emphasis on purchasing heating and cooling equipment that is energy-efficient – and why not? Who doesn’t want to save some of their hard-earned money by lowering their monthly energy bills? But what does energy efficiency actually mean when it comes to HVAC systems? The technicians at Chapman shed some light on efficiency ratings for all of the heating and air conditioning needs in Indianapolis.
Energy-efficiency ratings play an important role in determining how much one will spend on a heating and cooling system and its operating costs. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) is the two efficiency ratings used to measure a system’s performance. A unit with higher SEER and EER ratings will equal lower operating costs but will come with a higher price tag.
SEER rating
A SEER rating is one of the most important factors to consider before making a purchase. According to Energy.gov, a seasonal energy efficiency rating is a measure of how much cooling output a home’s central air conditioner puts out during an entire season in comparison to the energy it uses to do so.
To achieve ENERGY STAR status, the AC unit must have at least a 14.5 SEER
When it comes to seasonal energy-efficiency ratio ratings, the higher the number, the more energy-efficient the cooling system is. A 10 SEER air conditioner won’t be as energy-efficient as 13, 16, or 20 SEER units, for example. An older model will have a lower SEER number, which will mean that one will end up paying more money each month on the energy bill. A newer model, on the other hand, will likely have a high SEER rating that will lower the home’s energy usage and save money on the energy bill.
Air conditioners manufactured currently have SEER ratings as low as 13 to as high as 24. To achieve ENERGY STAR status, the AC unit must have at least a 14.5 SEER. According to Energy.gov, upgrading from SEER 9 to 14, for example, can reduce energy consumption by 35 percent. So if one were paying $100 a month in cooling costs, the bill would be reduced by $35. It’s important to note that one will pay more upfront for a high-efficiency air conditioning unit, but will recoup that money over time with the energy savings one will gain.
EER rating
An EER efficiency rating isn’t as commonly referred to because it applies only to room air conditioning units. Room air conditioners cool rooms rather than an entire home or business. Room air conditioners are less expensive to operate than central units but do not have nearly as much coverage.
An EER efficiency rating is a standardized measure of an air conditioner’s overall efficiency. The EER rating is calculated by dividing the BTU, or British Thermal Units, rating by wattage. The measurement is based on operating an AC when the temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit outside. The average EER rating is about 8.5 Anything above a 10 EER is considered efficient.
Choosing the right size room air conditioner is very important. A small unit running for an extended period of time operates more efficiently than a large unit those cycles on and off too frequently. Always consult with an HVAC system contractor before making a purchase to get an expert opinion on the right unit for one’s needs.
Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency
If one wants to find out what the air conditioner's energy-efficient rating is, check the system’s user manual or the AC’s cabinet. If you have an older system with a lower SEER or EER rating, it could be a good time to upgrade to a newer, energy-efficient model.
When it comes to understanding HVAC energy efficiency ratings, things can get tricky. But understanding which energy efficiency rating applies to which air conditioning unit will greatly help when it comes time to purchase a new unit.