How Do You Calculate EER for Air Conditioners? A Simple Guide
In your quest for an A/C unit or to check on the functionality of an existing one, you may have seen the acronym EER. But what does it stand for, how is it measured, and why is it worth its weight in cooled air? Let's try to build it all in simple English and answer some frequent questions like, "What is a good EER for AC?" and "How to convert EER to kW/ton?"
EER Calculator
Efficiency Standards
| Rating | EER Range |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 12+ |
| Good | 10-11.9 |
| Fair | 8-9.9 |
| Poor | Below 8 |
What is EER and How Do You Calculate It?
EER describes the energy efficiency ratio. It is an easy way to define how efficiently the air conditioner will be able to cool a certain area. The simple formula to calculate EER is:
Put simply, the EER can also be calculated as the cooling capacity divided by the power consumption: in this case, 1250/4900, or 10 BTU/W. The more BTUs of cooling delivered per watt of power consumed, the higher the EER.
What is a good EER for the different AC types?
A good EER value can really depend on individual needs and climate. Generally speaking, we can rank the following:
1- For Standard Efficiency: EER values between 8-10 would be considered acceptable for price-conscious buyers.
2- High Efficiency: Users who are energy conscious may consider going for 10.5 and above, especially for people living in hot climates where air conditioner use is frequent.
3- Super Efficient: Premium models have EER ratings close to 12 or above, which is good for long-term minimal electric bills.
Investing more in EER might mean higher upfront costs, but the long-term savings will pay off, plus you will have a lesser carbon footprint.
What is 12.5 EER?
If an EER rating is obtained on an air conditioning unit, with 12.5 being the most desirable, it simply states how many BTUs the cooling mechanism generates for every watt of electric power used. It indicates that the EER is reasonably on the higher side, both in terms of unit performance and energy efficiency. Such units are a business-savvy buy for those roof-warmers that would like to compare installation costs today and the electric bill later.
EER to kW/ton Conversion:
EER is only one of many ways to express efficiency. In certain cases, you might need to translate it into kW/ton, which is also a common measure of efficiency. To do this:
Know the basics: one ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hr.
The conversion formula:
Example: An air conditioning unit has an EER of 12.5:
This means the air conditioner requires 0.96 kW of electricity to produce one ton of cooling. The lower the kW/ton, the more efficient the unit.
Benefits of EER:
Knowing the EER is helpful to you for:
Save Money: Higher EER ratings equal lower energy bills.
Be Ready to Compare: Understand exactly what you are paying for when comparing AC units.
Protect the Environment: Energy-efficient units help lead to less carbon footprint.
Regardless of whether you are deciding upon a new air conditioning unit or assessing the one you already have, the EER is an important statistic to keep in mind that enables you to cool down your home without drying your wallet or harming Mother Nature.
.png)
.png)
