Installing a new air conditioner is an effective way to save on your energy bills, but shopping for one can be a headache. The new unit might be plastered with stickers advertising various aspects of its efficiency using acronyms that you may not understand. Before you start shopping, learn about the most common energy ratings and what they mean below.

Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratings

EER

The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is determined by the cooling capacity of the unit as measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) divided by its electricity usage. To calculate this number, technicians run the unit under test conditions to simulate the hottest summer days. Ideally, your new unit should have a rating from 11.6 to 16.2—the higher the better.

SEER

Unlike EER, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) isn’t calculated under extreme temperatures. Instead, it’s based on BTUs of cooling output divided by electrical consumption over a season. This average rating provides a good sense of how a unit will perform over a season—the higher the number, the more energy the unit will save. Per federal regulations, all new air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 13, but you can find ultra-efficient models from 20 to 28.

HSPF

This rating pertains specifically to heat pump systems that can provide both heating and cooling. SEER and EER ratings apply to the cooling efficiency, while HSPF rates the heating efficiency. It’s determined by the heating required for an entire season divided by the heat pump’s electricity usage. Like EER ratings, the HSPF is better the higher it gets—it should be anywhere from 8 to 13.

If you need help picking the best new heat pump or air conditioning unit for your home, turn to Duncklee Cooling & Heating, Inc. in Stonington, CT. For more than 40 years, they’ve served Eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island with comprehensive HVAC services. From system repairs to routine maintenance to new air conditioner installation, they can handle it all. Visit them online to browse their cooling solutions and call (860) 535-2552 to schedule a service.