When you’re looking into an air conditioner replacement, you’ll find that the HVAC industry is riddled with acronyms and confusing terms. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with a few of these acronyms and other typically used terms to be able to successfully research your purchase—notably the terms that help interpret energy efficiency. Let’s go through some of these terms.
What is EER?
EER is an acronym for “energy-efficiency ratio.” It measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner when the outdoor temperature is at or above a certain temperature. You’ll want 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 saving money on energy in no time.
ENERGY STAR® Certification
You’re probably familiar with ENERGY STAR certification, but it’s not usually explained very well. ENERGY STAR was created in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It was designed to protect the environment while saving money on energy by using more energy-efficient products. Products must undergo rigorous third-party testing and meet all of the 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’ll be certain it will save 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 exceptional 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 big 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 show the system has better energy efficiency. More energy efficiency equates to 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 recent, more efficient models range from ratings of 13 – 23.
It’s almost certain you’ll find more acronyms and unfamiliar jargon when you are researching your air conditioner replacement, but you’ll be more knowledgeable by understanding these terms. If you have any questions about terminology you come across in your search or if you need assistance with your air conditioner replacement, call Heartland Heating & Cooling in Des Moines at 515-344-3579.