In general, you know that replacing your old heating and air conditioning equipment with newer energy efficient models can have an impact on your energy and cost savings. However, navigating the nuances of energy efficiency and finding the right unit for your home can be overwhelming. Many factors go into determining which equipment is right for your home, and the best way to come to a decision is to have an Appel professional come out and look everything over. If you’re wanting to do some research on your own (which we highly recommend!), here are a couple of things to look for:
You’ve probably seen the acronyms “EER” and “SEER,” but what do they mean? These are probably the best ways to get a snapshot of a unit’s energy efficiency. EER stands for “Energy Efficient Ratio” and is comparable to a car’s MPG rating. In essence, EER describes the unit’s efficiencies under peak demand on the hottest day of the year. It indicates how much cooling output (BTUs) is generated for every unit of energy (watts) consumed. Typically, an EER of 12 or higher is considered excellent.
SEER, or “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,” on the other hand, is derived from a complicated formula that measures cooling output vs. energy consumed over the course of an entire summer season. This number is usually between 13 and 23, with the higher number corresponding to more energy efficiency. In fact, in 2015, certain regulations were put into place that require these units to take into consideration geographic location, as well. Obviously, in hotter areas, the cooling output is greater. Since SEER is based on an average temperature of 83°, for every 5° above this, you subtract 1 SEER point.
In summary, EER rates how well the unit stands up to the hottest day of the year and SEER rates how it performs over the entire summer season. Either way, switching to a more efficient model can save you a significant amount in terms of energy costs. For example, assuming all other factors are equal, replacing a SEER 10 unit for a SEER 15 unit could help you save 34% per year in overall cooling costs and energy consumption!
At Appel, we install several brands of air conditioners with excellent EER and SEER ratings. If you’re interested in upgrading to a more energy efficient system, give us a call and we’ll find exactly the right equipment for your home’s needs.