Energy Star (USA)
Criteria: At least 15% more energy efficient than the minimum federal government standards.
Equipment: Air-Source Heat Pumps
Specification: >= 8.2 HSPF/ >=14.5 SEER/ >=12 EER* for split systems
>= 8.0 HSPF/ >=14 SEER/ >=11 EER* for single package equipment including gas/electric package units
Equipment: Central Air Conditioners
Specification: >=14.5 SEER/ >=12 EER* for split systems
>=14 SEER/ >=11 EER* for single package equipment including gas/electric package units
(*Energy Efficiency Ratio)
Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP):
An air-source unitary heat pump model consists of one or more factory-made assemblies which normally include an indoor conditioning coil(s), compressor(s), and outdoor coil(s), including means to provide a heating function. ASHPs shall provide the function of air heating with controlled temperature, and may include the functions of air-cooling, air-circulation, air-cleaning, dehumidifying or humidifying.
Central Air Conditioner:
A central air conditioner model consists of one or more factory-made assemblies which normally include an evaporator or cooling coil(s), compressor(s), and condenser(s). Central air conditioners provide the function of air-cooling, and may include the functions of air-circulation, air-cleaning, dehumidifying or humidifying.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF):
This is a measure of a heat pump's energy efficiency over one heating season. It represents the total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in Btu) as compared to the total electricity consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period. HSPF is based on tests performed in accordance with AHRI 210/240 (formerly ARI Standard 210/240).
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER):
This is a measure of equipment energy efficiency over the cooling season. It represents the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat pump (in Btu) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input (in watt-hours) consumed during the same period. SEER is based on tests performed in accordance with AHRI 210/240 (formerly ARI Standard 210/240).
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER):
This is a measure of the instantaneous energy efficiency of cooling equipment. EER is the steady-state rate of heat energy removal (e.g., cooling capacity) by the equipment in Btuh divided by the steady-state rate of energy input to the equipment in watts. This ratio is expressed in Btuh per watt (Btuh/watt). EER is based on tests performed in accordance with AHRI 210/240 (formerly ARI Standard 210/240).
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European Union energy label
For air conditioners, the directive applies only to units under 12 kW. On every label, you will find:
1. the model,
2. the energy efficiency category from A to G,
3. the annual energy consumption (full load at 500 hr per year)
4. the cooling output at full load in kW
5. the energy efficiency ratio in cooling mode at full load
6. the appliance type (cooling only, cooling/heating)
7. the cooling mode (air- or water-cooled)
8. the noise rating in dB (where applicable)
For air conditioners with heating capability, you will also find:
1. the heat output at full load in kW
2. the heating mode energy efficiency category