Room Air Conditioner’s Energy
Efficiency
The
efficiency of a room air conditioner's is calculated by the energy efficiency
ratio (EER). The EER is the ratio of the cooling capacity, in British thermal
units (Btu) per hour) to the power input (in watts); the higher the EER rating,
the more efficient the air conditioner. Each increase of 1.0 on the EER scale
represents a 10% increase in energy efficiency.
The
information about the EER of a new room air conditioner can be found on the
EnergyGuide label for the unit. Look for an EER of at least 11 and the ENERGY STAR level (an international standard for energy efficient consumer products originated in the
United States, created in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency and the
Department of Energy). Earning the ENERGY STAR meets strict energy efficiency
guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of Energy.
ENERGY
STAR qualified room air conditioners use at least 15% less energy than the old
models. It often includes timers for better temperature control which uses the
minimum amount of energy that is needed to cool the room.
Measuring the Required Room Air
Conditioner
The
required cooling capacity for a room air conditioner is dependent on the dimension
of the room to be cooled. Room air conditioners have cooling capacities that
range from 5,500 Btu per hour to 14,000 Btu per hour.
An
over-sized air conditioner is less effective and wastes energy at the same
time. Air conditioner eliminates both heat and humidity from the air. The unit that
is too large cools the room quickly, but only removes some of the humidity.
This leaves the room with a moist, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit removes
humidity efficiency as it cools.
Other
Factors to Consider when Acquiring Airconditioner:
Make
sure that home's electrical system can meet the unit's power requirements. If mounting
an air conditioner near the corner of a room, find a unit that can direct its
airflow in the desired direction for room layout. If there’s a need to mount
the air conditioner at the narrow end of a long room, look for models that have
a “turbo” fan mode that can drive air further into the room. Other features to
look for include:
- A filter that slides out easily for regular cleaning
- Logically arranged controls
- A digital readout for the thermostat setting, and
- A built-in timer.
Mounting
and Operating Room Air Conditioner
A
little planning before installation could help you to save money and energy.
The unit should be level when mounted, so that the inside drainage system and
other mechanisms work efficiently. Install the unit in a shaded spot on your home's
north or east side if possible. Direct sunshine on the unit's outdoor heat
exchanger lessens efficiency by as much as 10%. Plant trees and shrubs to screen
the air conditioner, but do not block the airflow.
Don't
place lamps or televisions near the air-conditioner's thermostat; this senses
heat from these appliances, which can cause the unit to run longer than
necessary.
On
summer, set the unit’s thermostat as high as is comfortably possible. The less
difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the overall
cooling bill will be. Don't set the thermostat at a colder setting than normal
when turning on the air conditioner as this will not cool the house any faster
and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
Set
the fan speed on high, except on very humid days for more comfort. The low
speed on humid days cools home better and removes more moisture from the air
because of slower air movement through the cooling equipment.
Consider
using an interior fan in combination with window air conditioner to spread the
cooled air more effectively without greatly increasing electricity use.
Steps to identify the correct size of Airconditioner
for a room
Identify
the square footage of the area to be cooled.
Cooling
capacity is computedin British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.
Consider
adjustments for the following conditions:
Reduce
the capacity by 10 percent if the room is heavily shaded.
Increase
the capacity by 10 percent if the room is very sunny.
Add
600 BTUs for each additional person if more than two people regularly occupy
the room.
Increase
capacity by 4,000 BTUs if the unit is used in a kitchen.
For
the purpose of chart below, rooms that are connected by permanently open
entrance ways wider than five feet has to be considered as single room which
square footage should be combined.
Area
to be Cooled Capacity Needed
(Square
Feet) (BTUs per Hour)
100
to 150 5,000
150
to 250 6,000
250
to 300 7,000
300
to 350 8,000
350
to 400 9,000
400
to 450 10,000
450
to 550 12,000
550
to 700 14,000
700
to 1000 18,000
1000
to 1200 21,000
References:
- https://www.energystar.gov/products/how-product-earns-energy-star-label, How a Product Earns the ENERGY STAR Label
- Josh Kirschner on June 09, 2014, How to Select the Right Room Air Conditionerhttp://www.techlicious.com/how-to/select-the-right-room-air-conditioner/
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