01Step 1: Measure Cooling Capacity

  • To calculate the EER, you first need to measure the cooling capacity of the AC unit. This is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour.
  • One common method to measure cooling capacity is to use a device called a heat load calculator. This device takes into account the size of the room, insulation levels, and other factors to estimate the required cooling capacity.
  • Alternatively, you can consult the AC unit's specifications provided by the manufacturer. The cooling capacity is usually listed there.

02Step 2: Measure Power Consumption

  • The next step is to measure the power consumption of the AC unit. This can be done using a power meter, which is typically connected between the AC unit and the power source.
  • Make sure the AC unit is operating at its maximum cooling capacity during the measurement. Leave it running for a sufficient amount of time to get an accurate average power consumption reading.
  • Note that power consumption can vary depending on factors such as the temperature setting and fan speed. It is important to measure power consumption under typical operating conditions.

03Step 3: Calculate the EER

  • Once you have the cooling capacity and power consumption measurements, calculating the EER is straightforward. Simply divide the cooling capacity in BTU/h by the power consumption in watts.
  • EER = Cooling Capacity (BTU/h) / Power Consumption (W)
  • For example, if the cooling capacity is 12,000 BTU/h and the power consumption is 1,000 watts, the EER would be 12 (12,000 / 1,000).

04Step 4: Interpret the EER

  • The EER value represents how many BTUs of cooling capacity the AC unit can provide per watt of power consumed. A higher EER indicates a more energy-efficient AC unit.
  • It is important to note that the EER should not be the sole factor in determining the energy efficiency of an AC unit. Other factors such as the size of the room, insulation, and climate also play a role.
  • When comparing AC units, it is recommended to consider both the EER and other energy efficiency ratings such as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Conclusion

Calculating the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of an AC unit is essential for understanding its energy efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can calculate the EER and make informed decisions when selecting an energy-efficient AC unit that meets your cooling needs. Remember to consider other factors in addition to the EER, such as the size of the room and climate, for a comprehensive evaluation.

MethodsDetails
Step 1Measure cooling capacity using a heat load calculator or consult the manufacturer's specifications.
Step 2Measure power consumption using a power meter while the AC unit is operating at maximum cooling capacity.
Step 3Divide the cooling capacity by the power consumption to calculate the EER.
Step 4Interpret the EER, considering other factors and energy efficiency ratings like SEER.
energy efficiency
EER
air conditioning
cooling capacity
power consumption