When selecting commercial cooling equipment, efficiency is one of the most important points to consider. Using more energy-efficient equipment will not only help buildings stay within code and earn possible incentives for smart energy use—it will also reduce daily operating costs without sacrificing the quality and comfort of the work environment.
In heating and air conditioning, there are three main terms used to rate and compare energy use between pieces of equipment.
Used to rate the energy efficiency of air conditioners, SEER is the ratio between the amount of cooling output a unit produces during a typical cooling season divided by the total amount of electricity it consumes while doing so. The higher the SEER, the more cooling is produced per watt hour of electricity, and the lower HVAC costs become during the summer. For example, our most efficient rooftop unit, the K-Series has SEER ratings up to 14.0.
Federal minimum energy-efficiency standards for residential air conditioners, heat pumps and package units went into effect on January 1, 2015. For the first time, efficiency requirements for these products are based upon the state (region) where they are installed.
For cooling units manufactured on or after January 1, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy has changed the minimum efficiency from 13 SEER to 14 SEER for equipment installed in the Southeast and Southwest regions. For the North, heat pumps must be a minimum of 14 SEER, but 13 SEER split air conditioners can still be legally installed.
A limited quantity of 13 SEER cooling units manufactured before January 1, 2015 can still be legally installed in all regions for at least the next 18 months.
If you have any questions about requirements and terms, or need help finding the product that’s best for you, contact your Armstrong Air dealer,
Switching to high-efficiency cooling equipment can help you save money on your monthly utility bills. The higher the efficiency rating, the more you can save. Efficient products can also increase the resale value of your home and may be eligible for local or state government and utility rebates.
