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 little confusing. However, if you want to get the most out of all the research you’re doing, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some of the most common terms. Quite a few of the terms reference efficiency factors that can help you save money during the entire year. So when 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 work when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient, so when you’re looking for air conditioner replacement be sure to keep an eye out for higher ratings so you can take advantage of all the savings they can bring you.
ENERGY STAR® Certification
Most consumers have heard of ENERGY STAR certifications, but rarely is it really 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 rigorous third-party testing, and products must meet a specific 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 the box.
SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, typically referred to as SEER, measures the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. Again, the higher the rating a product receives, the greater the energy efficiency. That also means greater savings for you and less impact on the environment. SEER ratings can greatly rely on the age of your current air conditioner, ranging from as low as 8 on older products, to today’s range of 13-23.
The largest difference between EER and SEER is that SEER measures your air conditioner’s efficiency over an entire cooling season versus a single outdoor temperature like EER.
When looking for an air conditioner replacement, you’ll quickly learn that there are a lot more acronyms and terms than the three we’ve outlined here, but these will give you a better understanding of a few common ones. To learn more about your air conditioner replacement options or dig deeper in to the meaning of these terms, contact your local Lexington HVAC pros at James Heating & A/C, Inc.