How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Central Air Conditioner
 
How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Central Air Conditioner
Information about energy-efficient central air conditioners in this section includes the following:

Also provided is a portable document format version of How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Central Air Conditioner (). .

Product Typea
Recommended Levelb
Best Available

Split Systems
11.0 or more EER
13.0 or more SEERc
14.6 EER
16.5 SEERc

Single Package
10.5 or more EER
12.0 or more SEERc
12.2 EER
16.0 SEERc

a Split system and single package units with capacity under 65,000 Btuh are covered here. This analysis excludes window units and packaged terminal units.
b This efficiency recommendation meets ENERGY STAR? specification effective October 1, 2002.
c SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is the total cooling output (in Btu) provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period for cooling divided by the total energy input (in Wh) during the same period. Based on DOE test procedure, see 10 CFR 430, Sub-Part B, Appendix M.

Performance
Base Modela
Recommended Level
Best Available

EER
9.2
11.0
14.5

SEER
10.0
13.0
16.5

Annual Energy Use
3,600 kWh
2,77