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 get acquainted with a few of these acronyms and other frequently used terms to be able to successfully research your purchase—especially the terms that help interpret energy efficiency. Let’s go through some of these terms.
What is EER?
EER means “energy-efficiency ratio.” It measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner when the outside temperature is at or above a certain temperature. It’s best to go with the higher ratings on this one because the higher the EER rating is, the greater the energy efficiency. You could be seeing lower utility bills in no time.
ENERGY STAR® Certification
You’ve probably heard of 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 goal 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 a specific number of requirements to become ENERGY STAR certified. So, when you see the blue ENERGY STAR label while you’re shopping 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 most efficient products among those that are ENERGY STAR certified. These extraordinary products represent the leading edge in energy efficient products every 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 major difference between SEER ratings and EER ratings is that SEER is a measurement of an air conditioner’s efficiency over the entire cooling season, rather than its efficiency at a set temperature level. Like the EER ratings, higher the SEER ratings mean better energy efficiency. More energy efficiency equals more money savings and a lower impact on the environment. If you have an older air conditioner, 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 understanding these terms. If you have any questions about terminology you come across in your research or if you need help with your air conditioner replacement, call Bell Air Conditioning Inc in Temple/Belton at 254-307-9572.