Is Your AC Unit Energy Efficient? Here’s How to Find Out
Do you shudder each time you receive your monthly energy bill, unsure why the cost is so high?. If your air conditioning unit is one of the primary contributors to your energy usage. Its efficiency—or lack thereof—could be to blame.
Understanding Energy Efficiency in AC Units
In the context of air conditioning units, energy efficiency refers to the effective conversion of electrical energy into cooling power. The higher the efficiency, the less electricity is wasted in the cooling process. Energy-efficient AC units not only reduce your energy usage but also decrease your carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change.
Key components contributing to an AC unit’s energy efficiency include the compressor, the cooling coils, and the fans. The design and efficiency of these components largely determine how much of the electrical energy is effectively transformed into cooling.
Understanding the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
One of the most crucial measures of AC energy efficiency is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Which is the total energy consumed by an air conditioner during an average cooling season, compared to the AC’s total cooling output. SEER ratings range from 13 for most older units to 26 for the most efficient central AC models available on the market today. A higher SEER rating typically indicates a more energy-efficient AC unit.
What Is the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)?
While the SEER rating offers an excellent measure of average efficiency over a cooling season, it doesn’t provide a complete picture. This is where the energy efficiency ratio (EER) comes in. EER represents the ratio of cooling output to power input at a given point in time. Unlike SEER, EER reflects an air conditioner’s efficiency at peak day operations. EER is particularly important in regions with consistently high temperatures. A good EER rating varies with the model and the size of the AC unit, but generally, an EER rating of 12 or above is considered high.
Importance of Energy Star Certification
Another critical indicator of an AC unit’s energy efficiency is the Energy Star certification. Energy Star is a program run by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It awards certification to appliances that meet specific energy efficiency criteria. AC units that have earned the Energy Star certification are generally 10% to 15% more efficient than non-certified models. This translates into substantial energy and cost savings for consumers over the lifespan of the appliance.
How to Check if Your AC Unit Is Energy Efficient
Ratings and Certifications
The first step in determining your AC unit’s energy efficiency is checking its SEER and EER ratings. These can usually be found on an Energy Guide label on the unit. Look for higher numbers, which indicate higher efficiency. The next step is to check whether your unit has an Energy Star label. which would indicate that it meets the energy efficiency standards set by the EPA and the DOE.
Other Factors
Even a unit with top-tier SEER, EER, and Energy Star ratings can underperform if it’s not properly maintained or if it’s not the right fit for your home and local climate. This is where a consultation with an HVAC professional from Air Max HVAC becomes invaluable. We can evaluate your unit’s performance in the context of various additional factors. Local climate plays a significant role in how efficiently your AC operates. For instance, in a consistently hot region, a unit with a high EER rating will be crucial while in regions with a more varied climate, the SEER rating becomes more important.
Additionally, the size of your AC unit in relation to your home—often referred to as “sizing”—is critical to its efficiency. An undersized AC unit may run constantly to cool your home, which can lead to excessive energy consumption.
to inefficiencies and increased wear and tear. An HVAC professional can assess these aspects and provide personalized advice for your situation.
Calculating AC Energy Consumption
Want to know how much it costs to run your air conditioner? To calculate AC energy consumption, start with the unit’s power usage in kilowatts (kW) and the number of hours it runs. Since most air conditioners list power in BTUs, you can convert using 1 BTU = 0.000293071 kW. For example, a 12,000 BTU AC equals about 3.52 kW.
If your AC runs 8 hours a day, that’s 28.16 kWh daily. Over 31 days, this adds up to about 872.96 kWh. At an average Burbank electricity rate of $0.23 per kWh, the monthly cost would be about $200.78.
Actual costs can vary depending on electricity rates, system efficiency, and usage. If your bills are high or your AC is outdated, it may be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient system. At Air Max HVAC, we specialize in AC installation in Burbank and can help you choose the right unit for your home, ensuring lower energy use and maximum comfort.
Contact us today to schedule an estimate and learn more about our professional air conditioning installation services in Burbank.
Upgrading Your AC Unit for Better Energy Efficiency
If you discover that your AC unit has a low SEER or EER rating or lacks Energy Star certification, it may be time to consider an upgrade. You might also need to replace your current unit if it has poor energy efficiency that is caused by other factors, such as age, wear and tear, and sizing. While the up-front cost of a new AC unit may seem substantial, getting an upgrade can lower your monthly energy bills, leading to long-term cost savings.