Check Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency Rating. Phoenix AC repairs. schedule an appointment today at 602.824.9494.
What is Your Air Conditioner’s Grade This Year?
As autumn arrives, we typically enjoy a brief respite from the intense heat. However, in Phoenix, AZ, the temperatures remain warm well into the fall. Your air conditioning unit is still hard at work, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable.
Checking Energy Efficiency the Right Way: Homeowner Edition
Before we answer “How to check energy efficiency rating,” it’s important to know that the higher the EER of an AC, the greater the amount of cooling it will generate per kWh of energy supplied. In other words, it provides more cooling with lower energy consumption. That makes an AC with a higher EER rating more efficient and sustainable.
Why Is Checking for Energy Efficiency Ratings Important
Checking your AC’s energy efficiency comes with several benefits that shouldn’t be ignored. Here are some of them:
Reduce Electrical Bills
An energy-efficient air conditioner consumes much less power compared with conventional models. That means it will have lower electricity costs and help you save money for other purposes. Using efficient ACs can lessen your costs by as much as 30%.
One of the simplest ways to help save the environment is to use more energy-efficient devices such as air conditioners. Since these devices do not consume as much energy, the use of fossil fuels in generating electricity is reduced. That means fewer greenhouse gases polluting the atmosphere. With lower greenhouse gas emissions, efficient ACs play a significant role in mitigating climate change.
Calculating EER Using BTU
To determine an AC’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), divide its cooling capacity (e.g., 6,000 BTU, 18,000 BTU) by its power consumption (e.g., 1,000W, 1,400W, 1,800W) using the formula:
EER = Capacity (BTU) / Power (W)
For instance, if you have a 14,000 BTU mini-split AC using 1,400W, calculate the EER as follows:
EER = 14,000 BTU / 1,400W = 10
This means the AC provides 10 BTU of cooling for every watt of energy used. It’s more efficient than an 18,000 BTU, 1,800W AC with an EER of 10, which delivers only 10 BTU per watt.
The recommended EER is at least 14, indicating energy efficiency. If your AC’s EER is below this, consider upgrading to a model with a better rating.
Calculating COP for Cooling Capacity in kW
For air conditioners with cooling capacity in kW, the coefficient of performance (COP) is key:
COP = Cooling capacity (kW) / Power input (kW)**
A COP above 4 is considered efficient. To convert COP to EER, multiply the COP by 3.4.
EER is calculated under standard conditions: 50% humidity, 95°F (35°C) outdoor, and 80°F (26.7°C) indoor temperatures. Note that EER fluctuates, as most ACs operate under partial load conditions rather than full load.
Aim for an AC with an EER of 14 or COP of 4, or higher if possible at a similar price. This ensures better energy efficiency and cost savings.
Grading Your Air Conditioner
Alien Air Conditioning Think back to school, where report cards graded your performance from “A” to “F.” An “A” signified excellence, while an “F” indicated struggles. Our grading system for your AC unit operates similarly. Factors like the age of your unit and consistent maintenance greatly influence its overall grade.
– A: If you award your air conditioner an “A,” it means you experienced no issues or concerns this year. Your AC efficiently cooled your home without unusual noises or odors. This grade suggests your unit is either brand new or exceptionally maintained. With proper care, even older models can achieve an “A.” However, don’t become complacent—annual maintenance, whether now or in the spring, is crucial. Regularly addressing minor repairs helps preserve that top rating and ensures confidence in your air conditioner’s performance.
When you were in school, your report card had grades on it from “A” to “F” depending on how well you did. If you did exceptionally well, you got an “A” but if you really struggled with a class you got an F. Our grading system is very similar. Keep in mind that the age of your unit and regular maintenance – or a lack of it – may contribute a lot to the overall grade.
– B: Your AC has kept your home cool, but you’ve noticed some concerns. Perhaps it emitted unusual noises on occasion or didn’t cool as efficiently as expected. Those who rate their AC with a “B” might observe slightly higher energy bills, though not drastically so. Identifying issues at this stage allows for timely interventions before they escalate.
– C: A C might seem average, but is average good enough when it comes to keeping your home comfortable? For AC units less than ten years old with this rating, regular maintenance is essential to ensure continued operation. This stage is critical in determining the unit’s longevity, which typically ranges from 10 to 15 years. Extending its lifespan relies on consistent upkeep.
– D: A D” suggests the AC may have experienced breakdowns over the summer. If repairs were costly and did little to enhance efficiency, it might be wise to consider a new unit. Ongoing issues could lead to repair costs exceeding the expense of a new system. Ultimately, there’s no price on the assurance that your AC will function whenever needed.
– F: If your unit is barely operational, it’s time for an immediate replacement.
Your comfort is our business! Serving Phoenix AZ, and the surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment today to get started. Phone: 602-824-9494