What Type of Energy Efficiency Rating Should I Look for When Installing an AC Unit?

When it comes to installing an air conditioning unit, it is important to consider the energy efficiency rating. The Annual Fuel Use Efficiency (AFUE) rating is used to measure the efficiency of furnaces and is the ratio between the annual heat output of the furnace and the total annual fossil fuel energy burned. An AFUE rating of 90% or higher is considered highly energy efficient and will save you money over time. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is the most important metric when it comes to cooling devices, including PTACs.

It indicates the amount of energy (BTU) you can get from an air conditioner and the amount of electricity (W) it consumes. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner will be. When buying a new room air conditioner, look for the ENERGY STAR label. The Cooling Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER) is designed specifically for window air conditioners and takes into account energy consumption when the unit is in standby or idle mode. The cooling capacity required for a room air conditioner depends on the size of the room being cooled; room air conditioners generally have cooling capacities ranging from 5,500 Btu per hour to 14,000 Btu per hour. When buying new appliances or replacing poor quality old appliances with low-energy models, a good starting point is to buy products that carry the ENERGY STAR label.

Examples of highly efficient air conditioning units include LG 18,000-BTU Smart Window with an EER of 14.4 and Amana AVXC20 with a SEER rating of 24.5.

From reducing carbon emissions to reducing utility bills, understanding efficiency ratings can help you make a smarter decision about how to provide air conditioning to your building.

The advantage of installing an ENERGY STAR air conditioning system is greater efficiency and a lower expenditure of money on energy expenses. When selecting an AC unit, it's important to understand the different energy efficiency ratings available. AFUE ratings measure furnace efficiency, while EER ratings measure cooling device efficiency. CEER ratings are designed specifically for window air conditioners and take into account energy consumption when the unit is in standby or idle mode. ENERGY STAR labels are a good indication that you are purchasing a highly efficient appliance. Installing an ENERGY STAR air conditioning system can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on energy expenses in the long run.

By understanding the different energy efficiency ratings available, you can make an informed decision about which AC unit is best for your needs.

Adele Fonseca
Adele Fonseca

Hardcore baconaholic. Lifelong pop culture trailblazer. Subtly charming travel scholar. Freelance bacon enthusiast. Wannabe zombie geek.