What is EER?

EER is an efficient room air conditioner uses less electricity so it costs less to operate. To measure efficiency, engineers have established the term energy efficiency ratio (EER). It is computed by dividing Btu/h (cooling output) by the watts of power (electrical input) in accordance with Department of Energy Test Procedures. Thus a 12,000 Btu/h model might use 1,900 watts and have an EER of 6.3 while another model of the same capacity might use 1,350 watts and have an EER of 8.8. The higher EER is the more efficient of the two.

A common misconception of room air conditioners is that they cool the outside air and blow it into the room. On the contrary, air conditioners are designed to cool and dehumidify the air within a room. Conditioning the existing air involves a balanced removal of heat and moisture from the air. Without this balance and proper dehumidification a room will feel damp or clammy and be very uncomfortable.
The four key components on every air conditioner are the:

1. Evaporator
2. Compressor
3. Condenser
4. Capillary Tube

These four components work together to remove-unwanted heat and moisture from the inside of a house and condense it to the outside.

An air conditioner is a mechanical device that transfers heat from inside your home to the outside air. Heat is removed by first passing indoor air through an evaporator coil where refrigeration lines containing R-22 absorb the heat. The heat is then carried outside to the condenser coil where it is released into the outside air. This process continues until the air inside your home is at the desired temperature.
An air conditioner doesn't just cool the air. There are other functions that can have an equally important role in your comfort. The four functions of an air conditioner are:

• Cools the air - removes the heat
• Dehumidifies the air - removes the moisture
• Filters the air - removes the dust
• Circulates the air - evenly distributes the air

If any one of these four functions is not operating properly, you will not feel comfortable.

To accomplish the four functions above, every air conditioner must have these basic components:

• Compressor - compresses and pumps the refrigerant through the system
  Evaporator coil - absorbs heat and moisture from your home
  Condenser coil - releases the heat into the outside air
   
• Fan motor - circulates the air inside your home and also blows hot air outside
  Refrigerant expansion device - cools the refrigerant so that it can absorb heat
  Operating controls - turns unit on/off, sets desired temperature, controls fan speed, etc.

There are some air conditioners that can also heat your home called heat pumps. Heat pumps, or reverse-cycle air conditioners as they are frequently called, work the same as regular air conditioners in the summer when they are cooling. However, when heating is required, a reversing valve changes the direction of the refrigerant so that heat is absorbed from the outside air and then transferred indoors to heat your home. It's difficult to believe that there is heat in the air when it's freezing outside. However, even at 0°F there is still 82% of the heat in the air that was available at 100°F.

Room Air Conditioners: Mount in a window or through-the-wall. Perfect for cooling a single room. Many special features are available like remote controlled operation, programmable timers, one touch cooling, etc…

Ductless Split Systems: Available as in-wall, floor and ceiling mounted units. Connected by refrigeration lines and wiring to an outdoor unit. Great for renovations, room additions and zone cooling. Exceptionally quiet because the compressor is located outdoors.

Purchasing an air conditioner can be a pleasant experience if you plan ahead. Waiting until the middle of a heat wave may limit your selection and probably cost you more. Before shopping, carefully compile a list of everything you want your air conditioner to do, where you want to install it and any features you especially want to have.

1. DETERMINE THE PROPER SIZE

This is, by far, the most important point in purchasing an air conditioner. Even the very best air conditioner will do a poor job of cooling if not properly sized. Room air conditioner sizes (or capacities) are rated in BTUs per hour (BTU/h). The abbreviation BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. Capacities in BTU/h are based on standardized test results at outdoor temperatures of 95°F. If you live in a climate where summer temperatures are consistently above 95°F, you will be more comfortable and save money by selecting an air conditioner at, or slightly less than, the BTU/h required. Air conditioners are sized according to BTU/h, with the smallest starting at 5,000 BTU/h and the largest around 60,000 BTU/h.

If you're buying a replacement unit and were satisfied with its cooling, then there's a good chance that a new unit with the same BTU/h capacity will do the job equally well. However, if the old unit didn't adequately cool on hot summer afternoons, or if you're buying for the first time, then you need to determine the proper size using our Sizing Wizard. This will assist you in determining the approximate BTU/h required for your room and in most instances is all you need. However, if you have an unusual application or installation, then you should consult with a salesperson familiar with air conditioner sizing. The salesperson may be very knowledgeable about air conditioners, but they won't be any help to you unless you provide the necessary information.

INFORMATION TO BRING TO THE STORE

1. Sketch of the room to be air conditioned
2. Dimensions of the room, plus ceiling height
3. Location and dimensions of windows, doors and other openings
4. Directions that windows face
5. Type of room or usual activities
6. Number of people normally in the room
7. Location of electrical outlets and type of plug
8. Location of kitchen and other heat producing appliances
   Given this information, a well-trained air conditioning salesperson will be able to help you select a properly-sized model.

2. CONSIDER INSTALLATION

Don't overlook the importance of where you want to install your air conditioner. Not all windows are the same. Whether you have double-hung windows that slide up and down, casement windows that crank out, or horizontal sliding windows, there are models designed specifically for each type. Unless you're replacing your air conditioner with the same brand and dimensions, you'll need to install a new cabinet, sometimes called the sleeve. Sleeves installed in windows must always be supported by brackets secured to the outside wall. Some models do not include window mount kits so you'll have to purchase separately.

An alternative to window installation is thru-the-wall installation. If your unit is a heating and cooling model used throughout the year, or you simply prefer to not lose your window view, then you may want to consider a permanent installation in an exterior wall.

Most window-style room air conditioners can also be installed in a permanent thru-the-wall installation. In these situations, outside mounting brackets can be used for additional support, or more often than not, omitted. Some manufacturers, like Friedrich, make models specifically designed for thru-the-wall installations. (Our WallMaster series.) In any case, when you install thru-the-wall, make sure that your unit has a slide-out chassis, or you'll be in for a lot of work whenever you remove your air conditioner for maintenance or service.

3. COMPARE THE COST TO OPERATE

If low operating costs are important to you, then purchase a unit with a high EER. Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is the ratio of the cooling output in BTU/h divided by the power consumption in Watts. The higher the EER, the more energy efficient the air conditioner.

EER = (BTU/h) / Watts

4. DETERMINE THE FEATURES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU

All room air conditioners perform the same basic functions of cooling and dehumidifying your room. What differentiates one model from another, or one brand from another, are differences in design, construction, components and features. Things to consider when reviewing features include:

1. Is this a high efficiency unit? Will it qualify for utility rebates or other incentives?
2. Does it have a slide-out chassis so I can remove the unit for easy maintenance, storage or service?
3. Does the cabinet feel sturdy and durable? Is it made of galvanized metal with baked on paint for durability and rust protection?
4. Do I really like the appearance?
5. Does it have easy-to-use controls?
6. Will a built-in timer be useful?
7. How convenient would a remote control be?
8. Is it quiet enough?
9. Do I need a unit to bring in fresh air or exhaust stale air?
10. Does it have coils made with copper tubing for durability and long life?
11. Do I want one-touch cooling

Our products come to you through your local Cooline dealer who can explain the advantages of different types of systems for your home or region of the country, as well as select the right products to meet your personal comfort needs. The dealer can also discuss the benefits of higher efficiency, variable-speed airflow, programmable thermostats, two-stage heating and air conditioning, and other reliable, durable products.