When you’re looking into an air conditioner replacement, you’ll find that the HVAC industry is riddled with acronyms and baffling terms. You’ll want to become familiar with a number of these acronyms and other common terms to be able to successfully research your purchase—notably the terms that help describe energy efficiency. Let’s learn some of these terms.
What is EER?
EER stands for “energy-efficiency ratio.” It measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner when the outside temperature is at or above a certain degree. It’s best to go with the higher ratings on this one because the higher the EER rating is, the more energy efficient the model is. You could be seeing lower utility bills in no time.
ENERGY STAR® Certification
You’re most likely familiar with ENERGY STAR certification, but it’s not usually explained very well. ENERGY STAR was established in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The objective was to protect the environment while at the same time saving consumer’s money on energy by using more energy-efficient products. Products must undergo rigorous third-party testing and meet the many requirements to become ENERGY STAR certified. So, when you spot the blue ENERGY STAR label while you’re in the market for an air conditioner replacement, you’ll be certain it will save you money.
ENERGY STAR - Most Efficient
The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation recognizes the products with the greatest efficiency among those that are ENERGY STAR certified. These phenomenal products represent the leading edge in energy efficient products each year.
SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the degree of your air conditioner’s or heat pump’s cooling efficiency. The big difference between SEER ratings and EER ratings is that SEER is the degree of an air conditioner’s efficiency over a complete cooling season, rather than its efficiency at a designated temperature level. Like the EER ratings, higher the SEER ratings show the system has better energy efficiency. More energy efficiency leads to more money savings and a decreased impact on the environment. If your air conditioner is getting up there in age, the SEER rating could be as low as 8, while newer, more efficient models range from ratings of 13 – 23.
Of course you’ll find more acronyms and unfamiliar jargon when you are researching your air conditioner replacement, but you’ll be a lot more informed by being aquainted with these terms. If you have any questions about terminology you come across in your quest or if you need advice about your air conditioner replacement, call A2Z Air Inc in Boynton Beach at 561-270-6228.