When you’re looking into an air conditioner replacement, you’ll find that the HVAC industry is full of acronyms and perplexing terms. You’ll want to become familiar with a number of these acronyms and other frequently used 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 means “energy-efficiency ratio.” It measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner when the outdoor temperature is at or above a certain level. 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 probably familiar with ENERGY STAR certification, but it’s sometimes not explained very well. ENERGY STAR was started in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The goal was to protect the environment while helping consumers save money on energy by using more energy-efficient products. Products must endure rigorous third-party testing and meet all of the requirements to become ENERGY STAR certified. So, when you notice the blue ENERGY STAR label while you’re in the market for an air conditioner replacement, you can count on it saving you money.
ENERGY STAR - Most Efficient
The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation recognizes the products with the highest efficiency among those that are ENERGY STAR certified. These phenomenal products represent the leading edge in energy efficient products every year.
SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measure of your air conditioner’s or heat pump’s cooling efficiency. The major difference between SEER ratings and EER ratings is that SEER is the degree of an air conditioner’s efficiency over throughout the entire cooling season, rather than its efficiency at a certain temperature level. Like the EER ratings, higher the SEER ratings are an indication of better energy efficiency. More energy efficiency equates to more money savings and a lower impact on the environment. If you’ve had your air conditioner for a while, the SEER rating could be as low as 8, while recent, more efficient models range from ratings of 13 – 23.
You’ll certainly find more acronyms and unfamiliar jargon when you are in the market for your air conditioner replacement, but you’ll be a lot more informed by knowing these terms. If you have any questions about terminology you come across in your search or if you need advice about your air conditioner replacement, call Miller Climate Control LLC in Georgetown at 512-937-2001.