HOW TO CALCULATE AN AC SYSTEM’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY

We all understand the fact that an air conditioning system plays a critical role in enhancing the comfort of our homes during the hot summer months. However, you can’t deny the fact that these systems can push your energy bills to unexpected limits. Heating and cooling use usually accounts for more than a half of your home’s overall utility bill!

Often, the most effective way to avoid high energy bills is to upgrade to a high-efficiency AC system. Today’s systems are much more efficient than your older unit, so it’ll use less energy and keep your home more comfortable too. Of course, each unit performs differently depending on price point, design, brand, and other factors. So how can your AC energy efficiency be calculated? Let’s get into it!

What is SEER?

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is used measure the energy efficiency of AC units. You can save a lot of money when it comes to your energy bills by evaluating the SEER rating on the labels of the unit that you purchase.

Each AC unit has a unique energy-efficiency rating that tells you how much energy the unit consumes every hour. The law requires these ratings which are usually posted on the energy label to be conspicuously attached to all new AC units. The SEER replaced the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) standard.

Calculating the Energy Efficiency Level

The SEER rating already appears on every new air conditioning unit so it’s super easily to find. To establish the energy efficiency level, the system’s cooling output during the normal annual usage is usually divided by the overall electric energy input of the system — shown in watts-hours (W/h) for the same period.

SEER measures the power of the AC unit in partial loads such as 50%, 74%, and 100. Typically, the higher the value of SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the AC unit will be.

How Much Electricity Will Your New AC System Use?

Let us demonstrate this with an example. If an AC unit with an indicated cooling power of 4000 Watts has a SEER rating of 15, what does this mean? If we divide the power with its energy efficiency rating, the result will be that of energy consumption, which in this case will be 267W/h or 0.267Kwh.

To determine the amount of money you will spend per hour, you take the cost of the Kwh indicated on your monthly electricity bill and multiply it with the hours per month use your AC unit. This will help you to determine the energy efficiency of any AC unit before purchase.

The Niagara Region AC Experts

Are you a homeowner in St. Catherines and the Niagara region? Are you looking for heating and cooling experts that you can trust? Contact Mr. Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning today for professional services. We’ve got a full selection of energy efficient air conditioners for you to choose from. Our AC installation services are the best around. Contact us today!