When the time comes for air conditioner replacement, the HVAC industry can seem as though it’s full of acronyms and terms that may be a tad confusing. However, if you want to get the most out of all the research you’re doing, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with some of the most common terms. Quite a few of the terms reference efficiency factors that can help you save money throughout the year. So next time you have to think about an air conditioner replacement, be sure to refresh your memory on these terms.
What is EER?
The EER, or energy-efficiency ratio, measures how efficiently the air conditioner will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a defined level. The higher the EER rating, the higher the efficiency, so when you’re searching for air conditioner replacement be sure to keep an eye out for higher ratings so you can realize all the savings they can bring you.
ENERGY STAR® Certification
Most consumers are familiar with ENERGY STAR certifications, but rarely is it actually defined. In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established ENERGY STAR to help consumers save money on their energy expenses and protect the environment by using more energy efficient products. ENERGY STAR certification is earned through in-depth third-party testing, and products must meet a defined number of requirements. So when it’s time for air conditioner replacement, make sure to look for the blue label with the ENERGY STAR logo on its packaging.
SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, more commonly referenced as SEER, measures the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. Again, the higher the rating a product receives, the higher the energy efficiency. That also means more savings for you and a smaller impact on the environment. SEER ratings can greatly depend on the age of your current air conditioner, stretching from as low as 8 on older products, to today’s range of 13-23.
The biggest difference between EER and SEER is that SEER measures your air conditioner’s efficiency over an entire cooling season versus one outdoor temperature like EER.
When looking for an air conditioner replacement, you’ll quickly find out that there are a lot more acronyms and terms than the few we’ve listed here, but these will give you a better understanding of a few common ones. To learn more about your air conditioner replacement choices or dig deeper in to the meaning of these terms, contact your local West Jefferson HVAC pros at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc..