What You Need To Know About Your Air Conditioner EER Rating

An air conditioner energy efficiency rating, or EER, will tell you a lot about your system's advantages and limitations. You can find your air conditioner EER rating on nearly every air conditioner specification sheet or product box. 

So, how do these ratings affect your home? The experts at AC repair in Spartanburg by Smooth Sailing Heating and Cooling explain everything you need to know about the EER.

What Is an EER Rating?

An energy efficiency rating helps you understand how efficiently the appliance can cool or heat your home. These metrics help property owners identify the right air conditioning system for their home or business. 

Capacity and Power

The only metrics you need to calculate the EER are the air conditioner's cooling capacity and power. British Thermal Units of heat (BTU) is the capacity measurement of the unit. Wattage (W) is the measurement of power.

To calculate the EER, you need to divide the BTU and W. For example:

10,000 BTU / 800 W = 12.5 EER

Calculating the EER determines how much cooling effect you get for every one watt of power. Higher EER scores are generally better than low, indicating more efficient units.

A Good EER Rating

Choosing an air conditioning unit with good energy efficiency will save you money. Portable unit EER ratings land somewhere around an average of 8.5. Buying below that rating may cause you to spend more money than you should cooling your home.

A strong air conditioner EER rating could be as high as 12.5. In this case, the AC does not work as hard to cool down a room. This lack of effort translates into lower monthly energy bills.

Remember that where you live can make a big difference in choosing the right EER. Blistering heat or harsh cold outdoor temperatures encourage homeowners to invest in high-efficiency AC units. 

Difference Between EER and SEER

SEER stands for "seasonal energy efficiency ratio." This rating measures how efficiently the unit will operate over an entire cooling season. 

This system could be essential for anyone living in an area that typically stays below a high of 83 degrees Fahrenheit. That is because temperature and humidity can create inaccurate EER measurements throughout the year. A SEER rating helps you identify a more accurate energy estimate throughout the season.

You will only find SEER ratings on mini-split system air conditioners and standard central air units. Again, higher numbers are generally better than lower.

Risks of Ignoring Your EER Rating

For most homeowners, protecting their wallets is as crucial as staying cool in their rooms. Your EER rating is instrumental in helping you do both. Ask an HVAC specialist about the rating during the next installation to ensure you get quality results and avoid risks such as:

1. Energy Bill Expenses

Running an inefficient air conditioner over time adds up. The harder a system works to cool the home, the more you spend on bills at the end of the month. Ignoring low EER ratings could mean buying the wrong AC for a room and paying extra. 

Why waste money on systems that underperform? Invest in a quality air conditioner with a reliable EER. This way, you pay only for what you need.

2. Maintenance and Repair

Inefficient air conditioning units can suffer from constant damage and malfunction. They can overwork to cool a space, lowering their life expectancy and requiring more upkeep. This inconvenience will create headaches for you and your family throughout the year as you pay repeatedly for repairs. 

Do you find yourself spending too much on regular maintenance and repairs? If so, it may be time to upgrade the system. A professional HVAC specialist will let you know if your low EER unit is causing issues.

Professional AC Installation

Consult the experts if you are unsure which EER rating is suitable for your property. Smooth Sailing Heating and Cooling helps customers find AC units that work for them. We install these systems with top-class professionalism, so you avoid the hassle.

Our friendly team will help you learn everything you need about EER ratings and AC upkeep. We will also help you know the different HVAC issues you might deal with this summer. This way, you get the cool air you deserve.

Our company guarantees customer satisfaction, which is why we promote safe and detail-oriented work on your property.

Learn more about your air conditioner EER rating today. Contact Smooth Sailing Heating and Cooling in Boiling Springs, SC, by calling 864-804-6400.