What is EER?
Energy efficiency ratio is used to express the relative efficiency of a heating or cooling device by dividing the heat output by the power input. The higher the ratio compared to others, the better the system is.

What is the importance of EER?
There are many goals and benefits of utility sponsored Efficiency Programs. Among these is education for the purpose of using energy wisely. From this a rating system to establish standards for energy consumption has been developed.
One way to measure energy consumption is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). SEER is a measure of efficiency over an entire cooling season. SEER ratings are useful in determining the amount of energy used and the amount of energy saved. Often, the unit of measure associated with SEER is kilowatt-hours (kwh). A kilowatt is 1000 watts used for 1 hour. SEER = Seasonal BTUs of cooling / Seasonal watt- hours used.
There is more to energy consumption than kwh. Another measure of energy (and thus energy efficiency) is demand. Demand is the maximum amount of electricity used by an air conditioning system. This usually occurs at start up. The unit of measure associated with demand (or peak) is Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. EER = BTUs of Cooling @ 95F / Watts used @ 95F. Almost all air conditioning units are tested under the same controlled and specific laboratory conditions to determine the EER rating.
Your local sponsors, and the country as a whole, are concerned about using energy efficiently. Efficient usage occurs both in the seasonal and peak arenas. Many advocacy partners in the industry recognize SEER alone does not address demand savings. Use of EER as an industry standard is in an attempt to for continued improvement in demand performance.

What is the estimated electrical consumption of an air conditioner per month?
The estimated electrical consumption can be calculated by using the following formula:
Estimated Electrical Consumption = Input (kW) X No. of hours used X No. of days per month X Current Utility Rate.

What do the air conditioner efficiency ratings mean?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a system for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER rating, the less your unit will cost to operate. SEER ratings range from 13 SEER (which is the lowest possible efficiency air conditioner product that is manufactured - and thus is the unit which uses the most energy to operate) to over 20 SEER (the most efficient manufactured air conditioners which uses the least amount of energy).

What percentage of my utility bill is caused by air conditioning ?
It can be surprisingly small on an annual basis, but it depends on how much you use your air conditioning, how efficient your equipment is, and how much you conserve energy by actions ranging from insulating your home to keeping doors and windows closed when the system in operating. You local electric company is the best source for specifics in your area.

How do I calculate the energy consumption of 1.5 TR air conditioner in a house?
AC Operation of 8 hours a day, 252 days a year 75% compressor run time considered. This works out to 1,512 hours of operation per year, as found by BEE through one of their surveys. Please refer the Energy calculator on this site.

What are the objectives of the Energy Labeling Scheme?
The objectives are:
Provide consumers with energy efficiency information of labeling product to make purchase decision.
Differentiate the product by energy efficiency and simulate introduction of cost effective, energy efficient technology.
Enhance effort to promote environmental protection initiatives through uasge of energy efficient product.

How do I know if the AC I am buying is energy efficient?
Ask for the EER (Energy Efficient Ratio) of the AC. The higher the EER, the more energy efficient the AC.

How can I get a high efficiency system that will have minimum operational costs?
Manufacturers publish equipment efficiency ratings which are available to your contractor. ARI also publishes directories indicating various energy efficiency ratings of specific equipment. It is important that a contractor install a unit that has just the right capacity to cool your home. Units with excess capacity will cycle on and off and work less efficiently, thus increasing your operating costs.

How to get the most efficiency gains?
To get these efficiency gains it is important to use the air conditioner as it is intended:
the unit has to be sized right for the room you are heating/cooling it is best to run the unit continuously and set for the desired room temperature (i.e. such as 21 Celcius) and not at a full setting for heating or cooling (as most people do) and of course - a well insulated, low-thermal mass villa helps too...

How to Minimize Air Conditioner Cost?
A well-maintained air conditioner is a more efficient unit. Schedule annual servicing with a local heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialist. He will replace the filter and to put your appliance though a full operational cycle. He can also check its efficiency and look for problems, such as blocked lines and poorly-insulated or air-leaking ducts. You should replace the filters more than once a year to keep the system running at its peak. Ask the HVAC specialist to show you how to change them and buy a few extras.

How can I get a high efficiency system that will have minimum operational costs?
Manufacturers publish equipment efficiency ratings which are available to your contractor. ARI also publishes directories indicating various energy efficiency ratings of specific equipment. It is important that a contractor install a unit that has just the right capacity to cool your home. Units with excess capacity will cycle on and off and work less efficiently, thus increasing your operating costs.

My electric and gas bills are high. Will a new furnace and air conditioner lower my bills?
YES! A new 13 SEER air conditioner or heat pump could save you as much as 50% on your operating cost of the system. 13 SEER is the minimum efficiency standard allowed by law. Depending on your current operating costs, high efficiency systems could save you even more. Newer gas furnaces are 30 - 40% more efficient than some older models. With rising gas prices, this could mean big savings.

How to Compare Air Conditioner Efficiencies?
An air conditioner can keep you cool on a hot summer day. Room models confine comfort to one area and central air versions handle your entire home. Because these machines use enormous amounts of energy when they are turned on, you can minimize your utility expenses by buying the models with the best efficiencies.

Size
You may have the most efficient air conditioner in the world but it may still cost too much money to run because it is the incorrect size for your space. To determine the right size, multiply the length and width of each space that you want cooled. The result is the square footage of your room, which governs cooling capacity. This environmental ability is expressed in British Thermal Units or BTUs, which is generally listed on the air conditioner's label or specifications. A BTU is defined as the energy needed to increase the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit under normal atmospheric pressure.

Size Example
For rooms measuring 150 square feet or less, you need 5,000 BTUs. About 150 to 250 square feet need 6,000 BTUs, 300 to 350 square feet need 8,000 BTUs, 1,000 to 1,200 square feet need 21,000 BTUs, and 1,500 to 2,000 square feet need 30,000 BTUs. For central air conditioning systems, total the BTUs needed for each room and allow about two tons for every 24,000 BTUs. For more accurate sizing, contact a cooling contractor who can use Manual J as published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This document takes into account the orientation, insulation, number of windows, climate, number of occupants and desired comfort level of the home.

SEER
The U.S. Department of Energy regulates the efficiency of central air conditioners through a rating known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER. This calculation divides the BTUs used by a unit normally in one year by the watt-hours of energy it needs during the same time. A higher rating is more efficient. Since January 2006, all central air conditioning units sold in the U.S. need a SEER of 13. Upgrading your unit from SEER 9 to SEER 14 reduces cooling energy use by at least 35 percent.

EER
The Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER is the SEER equivalent for room air conditioners. However, this figure measures energy use instantaneously rather than over a season. Appliance standards mandate an EER of 8 to 9.8 or greater, depending on type and capacity. Replacing an old unit with an EER of 5 with a modern one having an EER of 10 cuts your cooling energy use by half.

Comparisons
You need neither air conditioning knowledge nor complex calculations to find the efficiency rating of an air conditioner. This information is listed on the yellow Energy Guide label required for all appliances. This label also gives you the estimated yearly operating cost of using the device, so you can translate the rating into real-world terms. Information is also available on the manufacturer’s websites. Look for the Energy Star designation on the yellow label, which means the product meets the energy efficiency guidelines demanded by the Environmental Protection Agency. Central air conditioners need a SEER of at least 14 to meet this standard. Room air conditioners need an EER that is close to 10.

What Does it Cost to Run a 5000 BTU Air Conditioner?
Air conditioner capacity is often described in British thermal units instead of amperage or wattage. To determine the cost to run a 5,000-Btu air conditioner, however, you'll have to know the amperage rating. In turn, you can convert that number to wattage. Once you know the wattage, you can find out the cost to run the air conditioner for an hour, a day, a week, a month or a year.

Locate the amperage of your 5,000-Btu air conditioner. There will generally be a tag on the bottom or inside the filter panel with the specifications that you need. Most 5,000-Btu air conditioning units are rated at around 5 amperes.
Calculate the wattage from the amperes. For example, multiply the 5-amp figure by how many volts there are at the outlet. In most cases this will be 110. Therefore, 5 x 110 = 550 watts. This figure will allow you to calculate your kilowatt-hours.
Find out what you are paying for each kilowatt-hour from your local electric company. The national average is approximately 12 cents.
Determine how much the air conditioner would cost to run over a 24-hour period. Use the basic formula of watts x hours of use ÷ 1,000 x cost per kilowatt-hour = cost of operation. (Dividing by 1,000 changes watt-hours to kilowatt-hours.) For example, in this case the mathematical formula looks like this: 550 x 24 ÷ 1,000 x $0.12. The cost to run a 5-amp, 5,000-Btu air conditioner over a 24-hour period is about $1.60.
Divide the cost per day by how many hours in a day to get an hourly cost amount. For example, $1.60 divided by 24. The answer shows that it will cost 6 cents to run every hour.
Multiply the per day cost, $1.60, by seven days to get a weekly cost. In this instance it will cost $11.20 per week to run continuously. Multiply the weekly amount by how many weeks in a month (4) to get a monthly cost. In this case, the cost per month will be approximately $45. A yearly cost can be determined by multiplying the cost per week, $11.20, by how many weeks in a year, 52. The total approximate yearly amount to run a 5,000-Btu air conditioner continuously will be about $585.

If I purchase a new heating and cooling system, will I be eligible for a tax break?
Not anymore. The home improvement tax credits provided under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 expired on December 31, 2007. If you purchased eligible high-efficiency heating or cooling equipment in 2006 or 2007 you could be eligible; if you did not claim the credit you could file an amended return. Some legislators have indicated a desire to present legislation that would renew the credit.

Is it more economical to run a central AC unit with the fan always On or should you have the fan running in Auto?
Not necessarily. I would caution you to watch the Relative Humidity in the Home. Depending on EACH system, the amount of moisture that lays in your drain pans is then put back into the conditioned space when you continuously circulate the fan. If you are in a tropical environment, this is not the most efficient way to operate your system. The home may actually "feel" warmer when the air conditioning comes back on. This effect is caused by the changing of moisture in your home. Moist air is lighter than dry air, so when you start the dehumidification the moisture rises. The removal of moisture is the biggest cost associated with the conditioning of the air. You be the judge, as you will notice whether you are cooler and saving in your electrical consumption.

Why are rating numbers important?
Rating numbers indicate the efficiency of heating and air conditioning equipment and are directly related to the amount of energy a specific model uses. The higher the rating, the more efficient the product, and the lower your heating and cooling bills can be. The federal government establishes rating guidelines and sets minimum efficiency levels. For cooling, the rating is SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). For heat pumps, the rating is HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). Gas furnaces are rated with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency).

Are window air conditioners expensive to run?
Yes. They use a considerable amount of electricity. A standard single room air conditioner will cost approximately 7-12 cents per hour to operate. If you run the air conditioner for 8 hours per day it will cost you approximately $24.40 per month at $.10 per kilowatt hour.

Is using ceiling fans and the air conditioner at the same time cost efficient or a waste of energy ?
Ceiling fans are definitely not a waste of energy. Ceiling fans use very little electricity. Use them to circulate air in the house, to make the house feel cooler. By doing this, the thermostat setting for your air conditioner can be raised to 85°F, and still maintain the same comfort as the lower setting. .

What does Inverter Mean?
Inverter technology uses a variable speed compressor motor similar to a car. It simply slows down and speeds up as needed to hold a selected comfort setting.
Inverter technology provides a more precise room temperature without the temperature fluctuations of fixed speed systems.

Which is more efficient, a ducted or ductless system?
This depends on a few factors, including house size and layout. Ductless systems tend to be a bit more efficient because they help cut down on the heat loss that can occur along the ducts.

Will the star rating increase the initial cost of ACs?
In order to increase the energy efficiency, AC manufacturer needs to change the design parameters like increasing airflow, surface area of copper tubes and highly efficient compressor etc. These initiatives lead to increase in the initial cost of the star rated ACs. However, the life cycle cost (Running cost + initial cost) is substantially lesser than ACs that without star rating. Purchasing a 5 star AC can minimize your payback period.

What is the comparative cost saving amongst different stars rated ACs?
The cost saving between each star rating depends on the equipment running hours and electricity cost / KW. It is available on energy calculator. Energy calculator has the provisions for choosing a city and possible running hours.

What are benifits of conserving energy?
Household energy use contributes to air pollution, including 20% of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide. It also accounts for 26% of all U.S. emissions of sulfur dioxide and 15% of nitrogen oxides. By reducing your personal energy use, using more energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling equipment, and constructing more energy-efficient homes, we can reduce pollution and save energy at the same time.

What is Energy Labelling?
Energy labelling is a new way of allowing consumers to easily compare and rate the efficiency of air conditioners and systems, similar to that used for domestic appliances such as fridge's and air conditioner etc.

What incentives are available for ductless systems?
Utility Rebates: most utilities in the Northwest are offering their customers cash rebates as high as $1,500 when they upgrade their existing electric resistance heating system to a ductless system. Interest-free financing may also be available. Check with your local utility for details.
Federal Tax Credits - Additional incentives: May be available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified energy-efficient residential ductless systems. In 2012, the Federal Tax Credit was removed.Montana - Additional Incentives: the state of Montana’s Energy Conservation Installation Credit provides a tax credit for 25% of the cost of a ductless system with a maximum credit of $500 per individual; up to $1,000 for a married couple filing jointly.Oregon - Additional Incentives: the Oregon Department of Energy has a tax credit available through the Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) program. The credit is valued at $50 per half-ton of rated capacity, with a maximum credit of 25% of the system cost, or $400, whichever is less.

If energy prices continue to escalate, what would be most effective in controlling home comfort costs?
Here’s checklist of options:
Make sure that your home’s current HVAC system is properly maintained and adjusted.
Change attitude and habits. Rethink your clothing, your appliances and your activities in your home – anything that can produce lower temperature settings in winter and higher temperature settings in summer can help control energy use.
Explore energy-saving add-ons for your current system: thermostats, humidifiers, and zoning controls.
Plant trees and landscape for summer shade and winter sun.
Add insulation, install weather stripping and plug air leaks throughout your home.
If your current system is in need of replacement, your efficiency options are expanded and the potential for savings compared to your existing system can be quite dramatic. Horizon Services can provide the consultation and information about all options and system combinations that might be right for your situation.

What are AFUE and EF?
AFUE is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency; the higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the boiler or furnace. EF is the Energy Factor, a measure of the water heater's efficiency. The higher the EF rating, the more efficient the water heater.

Ductless air conditioners save energy tips?
In addition to the energy saving benefits provided by zoning, ductless air conditioners can circumvent all the energy losses associated with leaking ductwork. Losses from ductwork are some of the primary causes of inefficiency with central air conditioners, sometimes accounting for more than 30% of energy consumption – especially if ducts are in an unconditioned space such as the attic.

BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO SIZE THE UNIT. PLEASE MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ONLY AFTER CONSUTING WITH YOUR HVCA CONTRACTOR. THIS DOCUMENT IS JUST FOR REFERENCE PUPOSE ONLY.