If most consumers want to know the efficiency of their central air conditioner, they simply look to the SEER rating. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a metric used to measure how much cooling a system puts out for each unit of energy it consumes. In theory, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently the air conditioner operates. The problem with the SEER rating is that it doesn’t give consumers an accurate picture of energy efficiency. As a baseline, the SEER measures an air conditioner’s performance at 82 degrees. Most air conditioners don’t need a lot of power to cool down a space at that temp. However, raise the temperature to 90 or 95 degrees—which is a much more likely summer temperature for most U.S. cities—and you lose an entire ton equivalent of air conditioning. By increasing the temp just 10 degrees, the cooling capacity of the unit goes down while the energy consumption goes way up. So, when you’re using a conventional central air conditioner at peak load, you may think you’re getting by with an energy efficient rating of SEER 13, but the fact is, it’s much less.

So, why do we use such an inaccurate measure of efficiency? It’s important to note that SEER is a marketing term used by the air conditioning industry. It was developed by the manufacturers who make traditional, compressor-based products to help make their air conditioners appear more efficient than they actually are.what do new ac units cost Because our air conditioners don’t have a compressor, we don’t have a SEER rating.ac units for mobile homes A much more accurate way to determine energy efficiency is using the EER rating—or Energy Efficiency Ratio. gas heating units for homeLike the SEER, the EER is calculated by taking the total BTU (British Thermal Unit) of heat rejected, or actual cooling per hour and dividing it by the watts of electricity used to reject the heat.

But, the difference is that the EER is calculated for a controlled environment, whereas the SEER value takes into account seasonal variations. That means the value varies depending on the temperature and humidity of where the air conditioner is located. Most unbiased experts agree that EER is a much more accurate way to rate energy efficiency. In fact, some utilities have voiced concerns with the SEER and have asked for discussions about transitioning to the EER. But, it’s sure to be a long, hard fight because traditional air conditioning manufacturers don’t want the standards changed. Until that happens, the best way for consumers to measure energy efficiency is by simply looking at their cooling bill. Coolerado customers use up to 90% less in cooling consumption. That’s a rating you can believe in … even without a trademark.Jul 7, 2014 Most central air conditioning units last about 20 years. At 12 years old, your air conditioning unit is passing its mid-life point. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20-40 percent of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.

When replacing your central air conditioning unit, look for a SEER of at least 15. A variable speed air handler for new ventilation systems is best, but two-speed is still much more efficient than single speed. Ensure the unit has a thermal expansion valve, which maintains efficiency even with less than optimal refrigerant charge. If you live in a humid climate, make sure the sensible heat ratio is .7 or higher (this means the unit has good performance at high humidity). Of course, also make sure the unit is ENERGY STAR® rated. In addition to purchasing an energy efficient unit, correct installation is critical to getting the performance you expect. First have the installer perform an industry-approved sizing calculation (e.g., ACCA Manual J and S). During the installation process, make sure the ducts don't have any hard bends, kinks, or excessive lengths. Have the installer check your air ducts for leakage and seal them if they leak more than 8 percent of the air conditioner’s airflow.

Once the new unit is installed, have the installer verify the airflow across the coil and in each room. Learn more about replacing your air conditioner. Don’t forget to weatherize your building or residents!  This will help stabilize the temperature within the building.  This will help keep the cold air “in” and the hot air “out!" What is the most efficient thermostat setting for air conditioning? The best setting is the highest temperature at which you are comfortable. We recommend 78 degrees when you're home and 80 degrees while you are away. As a rule, raising the thermostat setting just two degrees will reduce cooling costs by five percent. When I replace my central air conditioner, would it be more efficient to get a larger unit? Will it make the house more comfortable? It is best to get a properly sized unit. Although a larger unit may run for shorter periods of time, it will use more electricity due to its larger size. It may also fail to properly dehumidify the home.

A properly sized unit will control both temperature and humidity, making the home more comfortable. What does the "EER" or "SEER" rating on an air conditioner mean? Both EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) are indicators of how efficient the unit is. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit and the lower the operating cost. SEER is used with central air conditioners, while EER is used with room air conditioners. For new central systems, SEERs of 12 or higher are generally considered high-efficiency units. For room units, EERs of 11 or higher are considered high-efficiency. What is the recommended SEER rating for a central air conditioner? The current minimum requirement is 10.0 SEER. This is significantly more efficient than older units. Ratings of 11.0 to 12.0 are common, and will have lower operating costs. Units with SEERs as high as 15 are available. The more you use your central air conditioning, the more you will benefit from higher SEER ratings, and the more likely that the additional cost will be offset by energy savings.

I have one room in my home that is always too hot in the summer. What can I do to make that room more comfortable? If the room has a large area of exposed glass, keep curtains or blinds closed during daylight hours, particularly at times when the sun would shine directly in. You might also ask your air conditioning contractor to check whether you are getting enough air in that room. There may be a problem with your duct system. Will ceiling fans help cool my home in summer, and should I run them constantly, even when my air conditioning is running? Ceiling fans can help make the home more comfortable, either alone or in combination with your air conditioner, by creating more air movement, which makes the air feel cooler. But remember that they do not actually cool the air, so there is no point in running them in unoccupied rooms or when no one is at home. What is a "whole-house fan" and is it a good option for cooling my home? A whole-house fan is a large ventilating fan, typically mounted in a ceiling between the living space and attic.