Energy Efficiency and BTUs

Energy Efficiency and BTUs

EER - Energy Efficiency Rating

All new room air conditioners are required to carry an EER, or Energy Efficiency Rating, which ranges from 8 to 11.5. The ranking is important for consumers because air conditioners with higher EERs yield the most savings in monthly electric bills.
 
The higher EER also helps the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions. Check the yellow Energy Guide label on new room air conditioners when you’re shopping. A rating of 10 or higher will produce the most in energy savings, though these models are likely to cost a little more.
 

BTUs - British Thermal Units

When it comes to evaluating the energy efficiency of a room air conditioner, there are two pieces of information you should pay careful attention to – the unit’s EER and its BTU (British Thermal Units) rating.
 
The BTU rating is a number that essentially tells you how quickly and effectively a unit can cool the room where it is located. They generally range from around 5,000 BTUs to more than 20,000.
 
Consult the BTU calculator to the right for some general guidelines. The EER rating is determined by dividing the number of BTUs by the air conditioner’s wattage.