The purchase of a heating and cooling system is a big investment for your house, and the right unit can maximize your comfort. boost your home systems’ performance and lower your power bills. As you shop for a new unit, you may notice efficiency-related terms like SEER, EER and COP in the product’s description or on the EnerGuide label. Having a basic understand of what these terms mean will help you make a more informed decision about the best HVAC system for your home, budget and energy efficiency goals.{C}{C}
SEER, EER and COP Explained
- SEER: The Season Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, describes the efficiency of an air conditioning system throughout a season. It takes into consideration variable outdoor temperatures. To calculate the SEER rating, manufacturers compare the output cooling energy in British Thermal Units (BTUs) during a season to the input electrical energy in Watt-hours during the same period. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently an air conditioner performs.
- EER: The Energy Efficiency Ratio, or EER, refers to the efficiency of a cooling unit in a steady state, not during a particular season. This steady state refers to a period of time, such as an hour. To obtain the ratio, manufacturers compare the unit’s output cooling energy in BTUs to its input electrical energy in Watt-hours. Systems with higher EER ratings are more energy efficient than those lower ratings.
- COP: The Coefficient of Performance, or COP, measures a heating or cooling unit’s efficiency. To obtain this rating, manufacturers compare a unit’s power output to its power input. In addition to calculating the power needed to convert energy into heat, the COP rating also takes into account the power needed move warm or cool air throughout a home. Naturally, the higher the COP rating, the more efficient a unit is.
For expert advice about the best type of heating and cooling system for your home, the efficiency ratings to look for and other issues related to home comfort, please contact Arpi’s Industries, Ltd toll-free at 1-888-239-2774. We’ve been serving the Calgary area for more than 55 years.
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