When it comes time 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 become familiar with some of the most common terms. A number of the terms reference efficiency factors that can help you save money month after month. So whenever you have to think through 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 certain level. The higher the EER rating, the greater the efficiency, so when you’re looking for air conditioner replacement be sure to try to find higher ratings so you can reap all the savings they can bring you.
ENERGY STAR® Certification
Most consumers have heard of ENERGY STAR certifications, but rarely is it really clarified. 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 certain 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 stated as SEER, measures the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. Again, the higher the rating a product gets, the greater the energy efficiency. That also means more savings for you and less impact on the environment. SEER ratings can greatly rely 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 most noticeable 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 you’re in the market for an air conditioner replacement, you’ll quickly learn that there are a lot more acronyms and terms than the three we’ve noted here, but these will give you a good understanding of a few common ones. To learn more about your air conditioner replacement selections or dig deeper in to the meaning of these terms, contact your local Albuquerque HVAC pros at I-Deal HVAC.