Energy Efficiency Rating
Energy Efficiency Rating, What It Means!
Two of the more commonly used energy efficiency rating for cooling performance of air conditioners and heat pumps are Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER).
These ratings can be used to compare energy efficiencies for different models of equipment. What these ratings actually mean, and what is the main difference between EER and SEER?
To put it simply, EER and SEER are used to express the ratios of output to input for cooling system. As such, a more efficient cooling system will have higher EER and SEER ratings.
The fundamental difference between EER and SEER is that EER tells you the energy efficiency of a system at one set of operating conditions, whereas SEER reflects the overall efficiency of the system on seasonal basis.
How is Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) calculated?
EER is the average rate of space cooling (in BTU/H), divided by the power input (in watts) at given set of operating conditions. For example, a 16 EER-rated air conditioner delivers cooling at the rate of 16 BTU/H for every watt of input power at the specified rated conditions.
Most air conditioner and heat pump manufacturers in North American participate in AHRI’s voluntary certification program and ANSI/AHRI 210/240 tested and certified EER ratings based on 80 F indoor temperature and 95 F outdoor air temperature when systems are running at full load.
For instance, when a manufacturer advertises 14 EER-rated air conditioner, it implies that the system can cool down a conditioned space at the rate of 14 BTU/H for every watt of input power when it is tested for full operation at 80 F indoor and 95 F outdoor air temperature. EER does not tell you about the overall performance of the unit over a cooling season.
What is SEER rating?
To express the annual performance of an air conditioner or heat pump, SEER is used. SEER is the total heat removed during the annual cooling season, in BTU, divided by the total electrical energy consumed, in watt-hours (w*h), by an air conditioner or heat pump over the same season.
In other words, an air conditioner with 18 SEER is expected to remove 18 BTU of heat annually for every watt-hour of electrical energy consumed over the cooling season. The higher SEER value indicates that the air conditioner or heat pump operates more efficiently over the cooling season.
Does SEER Change Over Time?
It should be noted that EER and SEER are measured and calculated strictly under laboratory settings, and these lab testing conditions may not be the true representation of the actual operating conditions in the field. This may account for discrepancies between manufacturers’ published EER and SEER, and actual field performance ratings. To put this more simple, when you read the manufacturer’s home owner’s manual, it recommends to have an annual maintenance and inspection done on your cooling system. Most common problems with air conditioners over time, they may have dirt built up or a even a slight gas leak gone undetected. When a technician performs a maintenance inspection they can manually see if the unit is working efficiency using their gauge. If any leaks or deficiencies are detected and corrected, it can drastically improve your air conditioner’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.
NOTE To Reader
Be sure to annually tune-up your AC for best possible performance plus savings on your utility bills.
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AC Unit Installation Checklist
What You Should Know About AC Installation
AC Unit Installation
AC Unit Installation Checklist
AC unit installation should comply with guidelines and as a homeowner you can understand the procedures. No matter how important it is to choose the right air conditioner, but AC unit installation is the most important part of your deal with the contractor. AC unit installation requires air conditioning contractors to follow CSA standards. When you want to hire an air conditioner installer you need to know about simple routines it takes to install an air conditioner. Read this article to understand and follow an air conditioning installation checklist.
Air Conditioning Unit
When choosing the right air conditioner, it needs to meet all standards by CSA for performance. Different AC unit such as split systems require a CSA performance standard to meet minimum requirements when installing. All evaporator coils, condensing units, furnaces and air handlers shall be properly matched system identified as performance rated by AHRI. AHRI is the body used to test and match HVAC equipments to meet minimum standards for energy efficiency.
AC Unit Design
The AC unit (if new) requires to pass a heat loss and heat gain calculation in accordance with HRAI calculation manual. For example, a single stage central air conditioner selected with a cooling capacity between 0.95 to 1.15 of the total heat gain of the given house. Also the system shall be capable of handling the pressure drop of the air filtration system being used.
AC Unit Installation Instructions
When your AC contractor is installing your new AC unit installed make sure they are following instructions. All AC unit installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions with due consideration to the following:
Your installer should inspect the condition of your supply and return ducts and make sure they are sealed with suitable material (normally an aluminum tape is used) to minimize air leakage. All ducts sealing materials should be rated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Any of your ducts installed in unconditioned spaces shall have RSI 3.5 (R20) insulation with vapour barrier specified. The refrigerant lines should be insulated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Ductwork
If you need to install a new ductwork you should be hiring a qualified sheet metal worker. A sheet metal worker is capable of redoing a small portion of a ductwork or a complete ductwork installation for new home construction.
System Start Up
Once your new AC Unit is installed your contractor will perform a startup and operational checks. The contractor will check the refrigerant charge specified by specific manufacturer’s guideline. Also your contractor will check the proper airflow across indoor coil. Checking that circulating fan motor and compressor motor power inputs are to specifications.
AC Unit Documentation
Your new AC unit will come with its manufacturer’s documentation. Your contractor will advise you about your product warranty and provide you with a copy of model and serial number. Try to register your warranty with the manufacturer or have your contractor to do that.
Owner Education
The installer should provide you with the following instructions on operating your new air conditioner:
Now all there is left to do is to enjoy the cool and conditioned air inside your home while it’s hot and humid outdoors. Thank you for reading this article. Please leave your comments below.