If you're like most homeowners, you want to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. And one of the best ways to do that is to choose appliances and systems with high-efficiency ratings. But what do those ratings mean, and how can you be sure you're getting the most efficient product for your needs?
When shopping for a new air conditioning unit, you might come across something called the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This is the ratio of the cooling output divided by the energy input over a typical cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is. Additional things to look for when judging efficiencies are the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and the Coefficient of Performance (COP). The EER is a measure of how efficiently a unit uses energy at a particular temperature, while the COP is a measure of how much heat an air conditioner can remove for each unit of energy it consumes.
SEER Ratings
Air conditioner efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is. For example, a unit with a SEER of 10 is 10% more efficient than a similar unit with a SEER of 9. But what does that mean in real terms?
To put it simply, SEER is a measure of how much cooling your air conditioner can provide per unit of energy it consumes. So, if you have a SEER 14 unit, it means that for every 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy it uses, the unit produces 14 British thermal units (BTUs) of cooling. In other words, it's very efficient!
Keep in mind that higher SEER units usually cost more upfront, but they can save you money in the long run by operating more efficiently.
EER Ratings
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is another measure of efficiency, but it's a bit different from SEER. EER is a measure of how efficiently a unit uses energy at a particular temperature rather than over an entire season. So, if you're looking for an air conditioner to use in the summer months, you might want to focus on units with high EER ratings.
EER ratings also tend to be higher than SEER ratings, so a unit with a high EER is usually also quite energy-efficient. What is a good EER rating? That depends on the climate you live in. In cooler climates, an EER of 9 might be adequate, but in hotter climates, you might want to look for a unit with an EER of 12 or higher.
COP Ratings
The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is yet another measure of efficiency, but it's a bit different from both SEER and EER. COP is a measure of how much heat an air conditioner can remove for each unit of energy it consumes. So, if you have a COP of 3, that means the unit can remove 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of energy it consumes.
What kind of COP rating is best? Similar to an EER rating, it depends on the climate you live in. In cooler climates, a COP of 2 might be adequate, but in hotter climates, you might want to look for a unit with a COP of 3 or higher.
How Do I Know Which to Choose?
In short, all three of these efficiency ratings – SEER, EER, and COP – are important to consider when shopping for a new air conditioner. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. And the more efficient the unit is, the lower your energy bills will be!
Now that you know all about air conditioner efficiency ratings, you can be sure you're getting the most energy-efficient unit for your needs. So how do you know how to choose the right air conditioner for your home? The first step is to determine your cooling needs. This will help you choose a unit that's the right size for your home, which is important for both efficiency and effectiveness.
For example, if you live in a hot, humid climate, SEER might be the most important rating to look at. But if you live in a milder climate and don't use your AC very often, EER or COP might be more important.
The best way to figure out which rating is most important for you is to consult with a qualified HVAC contractor. Contact Dodrill Comfort & Energy Solutions to help you choose the right unit for your needs and make sure it's installed properly.