Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC Blog: Posts Tagged ‘energy efficiency ratio’

How To Calculate Your Energy Usage

Tuesday, July 11th, 2017

Electricity costs can be significant in Southwest Florida, and if you would like to minimize your utility bills, the best way to start is by calculating your energy usage. Every appliance, light and electronic device has its own electricity requirements, and the first step in calculating your energy usage is determining what that figure is for each device.

Using the Energy Guide Label

Many appliances and electronics, including large appliances like air conditioning systems, have a yellow Energy Guide label that makes determining energy usage simple. For electrical devices, the label will list estimated yearly energy usage in kilowatt-hours, which are the same units used on your electricity bill. To determine a device’s monthly usage, simply divide that number by 12, and to determine its daily usage, divide by 365.

Using Wattage

If no Energy Guide label is present, check the device for a label listing its electrical requirements, which is often found near the electrical cord. Many products will list the device’s wattage. To convert watts to kilowatts, simply divide by 1000. For example, a coffee maker that uses 800 watts would use 0.8 kilowatts of power. To find the kilowatt-hours used by a device, multiply the kilowatt rating by the number of hours the device is used daily. For example, the coffee maker that is rated for 0.8 kilowatts would require 2.4 kilowatt-hours of electricity a day when used for 3 hours.

Using Amperage

Some devices do not list wattage, so it must be calculated by multiplying amperage and voltage. For most devices, the voltage will be 120, though larger appliances may use 220 or 240 volts. A device that uses 5 amps at 120 volts would require 600 watts of power, while one that uses 0.5 amps would require 60 watts. Smaller devices may be rated in milliamps, which must be divided by 1000 to find the amps. Once the wattage is found, the kilowatt hours can be calculated, then simply add all your devices to calculate your total energy usage.

For help with calculating your energy usage, or reducing it, contact our team at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.

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Understanding AC Efficiency Ratings: SEER, EER, and What They Mean

Tuesday, November 15th, 2016

With the hot and humid weather of the Southwest Florida area, the overall efficiency of your air conditioning system can make a significant difference in your cooling costs during the summer. By understanding what each of the basic A/C efficiency ratings represent, you will be able to make an informed decision when purchasing a new air conditioning system or heat pump.

EER

The energy efficiency ratio, or EER, represents the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system measured in British thermal units or BTUs, divided by the amount of electrical power required to provide that cooling measured in kilowatt-hours. This rating represents the amount of energy used to provide cooling during peak conditions, such as the hottest days of the year, and is not the most reliable estimate of how the system will perform over time. A system with a higher EER will be more efficient, and today’s best systems feature EER ratings of over 16.

SEER

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, is a long-term measurement of the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning system. It is a ratio of the cooling output provided for a full season in BTUs, divided by the amount of energy, in kilowatt-hours, required to power the system. It is a better representation of how the system will perform in a variety of weather conditions, and, like the EER rating, higher is better. Today’s federal standards require A/C efficiency ratings of 13 or 14 SEER depending on location, and the best systems offer SEER ratings of over 23.

HSPF

The heating seasonal performance factor, or HSPF, measures the amount of heat provided during a heating season,in BTUs, divided by the power required in kilowatt-hours. This rating is applicable to heat pumps, which can provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. A higher HSPF is represents greater efficiency, and the most efficient systems feature a rating of up to 13 HSPF.

For more information about A/C efficiency ratings, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air. We serve the Southwest Florida area, including Ft. Myers and Naples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are AC efficiency ratings and why do they matter?
Answer: AC efficiency ratings measure how effectively an air conditioning system uses energy to cool your home. Higher efficiency ratings generally mean the system can provide the same cooling while using less electricity. Understanding these ratings helps homeowners choose systems that reduce energy consumption and lower long term operating costs.

Question: What does SEER mean in air conditioning systems?
Answer: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently an air conditioner performs over an entire cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system is. Choosing a system with a higher SEER rating can help improve cooling performance and reduce electricity usage.

Question: Is a higher SEER rating always better for homeowners?
Answer: A higher SEER rating usually means better energy efficiency, which can reduce monthly energy bills. However, higher rated systems may also have higher upfront costs. Homeowners should consider their climate, budget, and expected energy savings when deciding which efficiency rating is the best fit.

Question: How do AC efficiency ratings affect energy costs?
Answer: Air conditioners with higher efficiency ratings typically use less electricity to produce the same level of cooling. This can lead to noticeable savings on monthly utility bills over time. Choosing a more efficient unit can be especially beneficial in warmer climates where air conditioners run frequently.

Question: What should homeowners consider when choosing an energy efficient AC system?
Answer: When selecting an energy efficient AC system, homeowners should consider the SEER rating, the size of the unit, installation quality, and their household cooling needs. A properly sized and professionally installed system with a good efficiency rating can deliver reliable comfort while keeping energy costs manageable.

 

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