Understanding Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency

If you live in Bucktown or the South Loop here in Chicago, it is time to start looking for a new air conditioner. Spring and summer are just around the corner, and it is time to think about that hot and sweaty weather that will be here shortly. However, in your search for a new air conditioner, you may find that there are a lot of terms out there that you may not know what they are referring to. Here is a short list of air conditioning terms you may come across and what they should mean to you:

SEER. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios. It is used to rate new air conditioner energy efficiency. SEER is used to rate central air conditioners. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient your unit will run. The ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy) recommends a SEER of at least 14.5.

EER. EER stand for Energy Efficiency Ratios. This is also used to rate new air conditioner energy efficiency. However, EER is used to rate room air conditioners. The higher the EER number, the more efficient your unit will run. The ACEEE recommends a EER of at least 11.6.

R-410 Refrigerant. If you have not replaced your air conditioner unit in a long time, you may not realize that the newer units do not use Refrigerant anymore (otherwise known as R-22). This is a change for new air conditioner equipment that started in 2010. Refrigerant is still available for repairs, but you will not find new air conditioner units with it.

Split-system central air conditioner. This is when the outdoor unit contains the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit contains the evaporator. The indoor unit often times also contains a furnace or the indoor part of a heat pump.

Packaged central air conditioner. The evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all located in one unit usually located on a concrete slab outside of the home.

These are just a few of the terms you may come across in your search of a new air conditioner unit. Hopefully, our explanations of these terms will help you in your search for a new air conditioner unit!