Ever wondered how what the efficiency of your air conditioner is? Energy efficient air conditioners use technology that has been designed to consume less energy during operation. Energy efficient air conditioners provide many benefits:
- Lower utility bills
- Quieter operation
- Longer lifespan
- Even cooling throughout home
- Improved environmental impact
Energy efficient air conditioners save you money and help leave a more positive impact on the planet. But how do you determine if your air conditioner is energy efficient?
How to Calculate the Energy Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are rated based on the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat they are capable of removing each hour.
In addition to the BTU, air conditioners now provide an energy-efficiency rating so that consumers can better understand how the BTU rating of their air conditioner affects its overall efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) reflect how many BTUs are removed per hour, per watt of power drawn. EER ratings are used for room conditioners and SEER ratings are used for central air conditioners.
Calculating AC Efficiency
Generally speaking, high EER and SEER ratings indicate a higher degree of efficiency. Typically, this number will be calculated and pre-determined for you, but if you need to figure it out yourself, you can divide the BTUs removed per hour by the watts of power used:
Efficiency (%) = (BTUs per hour/Power (W))
Air Conditioners vs. Heat Pump Cooling
It’s always a good idea to explore energy efficiency when it comes to cooling your home. To make an informed purchase, ensure you understand the efficiency of the different types of cooling systems you’re considering.
Air conditioners and heat pump cooling systems both move heat from inside your home to outside your home. Essentially speaking, air conditioners and heat pump cooling systems use different technology to achieve the same outcome with little difference in operation, efficiency or cost. Having said this, heat pumps are less efficient than furnaces when it comes to heating a home, so an air conditioner-furnace combination is often seen as a more efficient choice for the home year-round.
What to Look For When Purchasing a New AC Unit
When purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner, remember to look for a unit that will fit the space you need, comes equipped with programmable temperature settings, and has high EER and SEER ratings. Also, look for additional features such as energy-saving settings and wi-fi versions that can be controlled with devices such as your smartphone or Alexa.
For more advice on choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner and more, contact us at Guelph ClimateCare today.
