What do all those Air Conditioning Ratings mean?
We're glad you asked!
Itšs easy to feel overwhelmed by the array of efficiency ratings,
abbreviations and acronyms used to describe or explain air conditioners!
In this fact sheet, wešll tell you what they all mean and how
you can use the knowledge gained to make a more informed choice
on your comfort needs.
Efficiency Ratings
SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This
is a system for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment. It
is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity of a continuously
operating air conditioner by the electric power input. The
higher the SEER, the less your unit will cost to operate.
Sound Ratings
In recent years, HVAC equipment has not only gotten more energy
efficient, it much quieter. Although sound does not affect the
efficiency of a unit, it can certainly affect your comfort. If
your unit has a low sound level, you (and your neighbors) will
hardly notice when it is operating.
Db Decibel. A term to describe the relative
loudness of a sound. Typically air conditioners are between the
sound of a human voice (70db) and a blender (88db).
SRN Sound Rating Number. A unit based on ARI
(Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Institute) tests. Average sound
ratings range between 74 to 80db. The lower the SRN number the
quieter the unit
General Industry Terms
HVAC Heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
This term applies to both the heating and cooling industry and
the products they manufacture.
ARI Air conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.
A non-profit, voluntary organization comprised of HVAC manufacturers.
ARI publishes standards for testing and rating air conditioning
and ensures a level of quality within the industry.
BTU British thermal unit. This is the amount
of heat that will raise or lower the temperature of one pound
of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
BTUH British thermal units per hour. A measure of heat
transfer rate.
Ton A ton is 12,000 Btušs. A typical single
family residence uses air conditioning ranging between 1-1/2 5
tons of capacity.
Comfort Systems
All air conditioning systems have an outdoor unit and an indoor
unit. The outdoor unit is the actual air conditioner or condensing
unit. The indoor unit, evaporator coil, may include a blower and
air filter self contained within a cabinet. Combinations of various
units result in vastly different efficiency ratings.
Most popular coil A term meaning the highest sales volume indoor
unit matched with the given outdoor unit. Sometimes there are
attempts to combine unrealistic indoor and outdoor equipment combinations
to obtain a higher SEER. Ratings made in such a way may be simulated
and unrealistic. Ratings obtained using the most popular coil,
however, are attainable and closer to reality.
The Price of Quality
There is more to buying an air conditioner than ratings. The quality
of the construction, and materials used as well as the reliability
of the manufacturer and installing contractor can all affect your
long-term satisfaction and comfort. Top quality, high efficiency
equipment will cost more initially, but you will save money on
utility bills and service calls for years to come. Be sure to
weigh all the factors before choosing your new system. Remember,
itšs your home, your comfort and your investment. Do your homework
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