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. Conversely, an oversized unit can frequently turn on and off, a process called short-cycling, which can also lead 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

To calculate the energy consumption of an AC unit, you’ll need to have some key information: the power consumption rate of the unit (in kilowatts) and the amount of time it’s in use (in hours). Most air conditioning units specify their power usage in British thermal units (BTUs), but we can easily convert this to kilowatts by using the conversion factor of 0.000293071 (1 BTU = 0.000293071 kW). For example, if your AC unit has a rating of 12,000 BTUs, its power usage would be about 3.52 kW (12,000 BTUs x 0.000293071 kW/BTU).

Next, you need to know how long your AC unit runs during the day. Let’s say your AC runs for eight hours a day. You can then calculate the daily energy consumption by multiplying the power usage by the hours of operation: 3.52 kW x 8 hours = 28.16 kWh (kilowatt-hours).

To get the monthly energy consumption, multiply this daily figure by the number of days in a month. For July, with 31 days, the calculation would be 28.16 kWh/day x 31 days = 872.96 kWh. To get a rough estimate of how much your AC costs you monthly, you’ll need to find out how much you are being charged for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. This rate will be on your energy bill, or you can call your electricity provider to ask. For this example, let’s say your electric company charges you $0.23 per kWh. To estimate the cost of running your air conditioner for a month, the calculation would be 872.96 kWh x $0.23/kWh = $200.78.

Remember, this is a rough estimate, and other factors could affect the actual cost, including changes in electricity rates, variations in the number of hours the unit is used, and the energy efficiency of the AC unit. Because of these complexities, consider consulting with a local HVAC professional for a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of your air conditioning system’s energy efficiency.

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.

Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your AC Unit Today!

If you’re in Burbank or the L.A. area and are ready to take control of your energy usage and boost the efficiency of your AC unit, give us a call. Our dedicated team serves L.A. County and the surrounding areas, and we’re committed to helping residents achieve optimal energy efficiency and comfort in their homes. Our services include comprehensive AC repair and installation services, furnace service and maintenance, professional energy calculations, and utility rebate appraisals. Contact Air Max HVAC today to schedule a free consultation!