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Cooling

The efficiency of room air conditioners is measured by the energy efficiency rating (EER), which is the ratio of the cooling output (in Btu) divided by the power consumption (in watt hours). A typical new room air conditioner has an EER of about 10, and to qualify for an Energy Star label requires a EER of 11 or higher.

Central air conditioners and heat pumps operating in the cooling mode are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which is the seasonal cooling output (in Btu) divided by the seasonal energy input in watt hours for an average U.S. climate. Many older central air conditioners have SEER ratings of only 6 or 7. The average central air conditioner sold in 1998 had a SEER of about 11, and to qualify for an Energy Star label requires a SEER of 13 or higher.

Central air conditioners are usually more efficient than room air conditioners, and in general, large capacity air conditioners have higher efficiency (provided you are not buying a larger system than is needed just because it has high efficiency).

General Cooling Tips

• Set your thermostat as high as is comfortable in the summer.
• Use ventilation fans wisely; in just one hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done their job.
• Keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain.
• Select energy-efficient cooling equipment. Your contractor should be able to give you energy fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to help you compare energy usage. Look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The national minimums are approximately 80% AFUE and 12 SEER.

Resources

GSA’s Federal Supply Schedules 71 II E and 72 II are for lighting technologies such as lamps, track lighting, shades, etc., and Supply Schedule 539 is for lighting technologies such as light bulbs.

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, (703) 524-8800, www.acri.org
• EPA’s Energy Star, (888) STAR-YES, www.energystar.gov