Understanding HVAC Ratings before an Air Conditioner Replacement

04/30/2015
When you’re looking into an air conditioner replacement, you’ll find that the HVAC industry is full of acronyms and baffling terms. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with some 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 look at some of these terms.

EER stands for “energy-efficiency ratio.” It measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner when the outdoor 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 more energy efficient the model is. You could be saving money on energy in no time.

You’ve probably heard of ENERGY STAR certification, but it’s commonly not explained very well. ENERGY STAR was started in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The objective 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 spot the blue ENERGY STAR label while you’re looking for an air conditioner replacement, you’ll be certain it will save you money.

The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation recognizes the products with the higest efficiency among those that are ENERGY STAR certified. These extraordinary products represent the leading edge in energy efficient products every year.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) represents a measurement of your air conditioner’s or heat pump’s cooling efficiency. The big difference between SEER ratings and EER ratings is that SEER is a measurement of an air conditioner’s efficiency over throughout the entire cooling season, rather than its efficiency at a designated temperature level. Like the EER ratings, higher the SEER ratings mean 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 newer, more efficient models range from ratings of 13 – 23.

Of course you’ll find more acronyms and unfamiliar lingo when you are in the market for your air conditioner replacement, but you’ll be more knowledgeable by being aquainted with 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 All Seasons Comfort Systems Inc in Reeds Spring at 417-739-4606 or set up an appointment online.