Understanding Air Conditioning Terms

Person testing an air-conditioning systemIf you’ve been thinking about installing a new air conditioning system in your home, chances are you’re looking for one that’s energy efficient. In fact, one of the reasons people choose new air conditioning is so they can save money on their energy bills. Modern air conditioning systems are much more energy efficient than their counterparts from even 10 years ago. New technologies allow them to provide better cooling and lower energy use. Today’s air conditioning systems even use a more advanced refrigerant that is both more environmentally friendly and more energy efficient.

As beneficial as new air conditioning can be for today’s consumers, it can also be confusing. There are many terms that can be hard for anyone without the technical expertise of most HVAC contractors to understand. You might wonder what these terms mean, or if they’re even important. That’s why it’s important for you to be educated as a consumer. When you know what terms like SEER or R-410A mean, you can make better decisions when it comes to purchasing air conditioning for your home. At Family Danz, we make it a priority to share knowledge with our customers, so you can make the most informed choice. That’s why we’re sharing some common air conditioning terms with you, as defined by ENERGY STAR.

Some of the terms you may hear include:

  • SEER: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s used to measure the efficiency of an air conditioning system. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. SEER measures system efficiency over an entire season. We offer quality Bryant air conditioning systems with ratings up to 21 SEER, among the highest available on the market today.
  • EER: Like SEER, EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio, is used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning systems, but at the outdoor temperature of 95ºF. AC systems with a high SEER rating generally have a high EER rating as well.
  • R-410A: This is a type of refrigerant that was developed in response to concerns about the ozone layer. Because it doesn’t contain bromine or chlorine, it does not contribute to ozone depletion. Additionally, it allows for a higher SEER rating, so it reduces power consumption. R-410A is also sold under the trademark “Puron.”
  • dB: One major complaint people have about air conditioning systems is that they tend to be noisy. dB, or decibel, is the amount of noise produced. Today’s systems run at much lower dB, many producing about the same noise as a vacuum running, or about 66 dB.

Once you understand the terms surrounding air conditioning, it’s much easier to find a system that offers you everything you need. Energy efficiency, environmentally sound components and quiet operation are all important factors when it comes to selecting an AC system that will provide you with years of comfort at a lower cost.

At Family Danz Heating & Cooling, we’re pleased to provide our customers with the best quality, most efficient air conditioning systems on the market. If you’re looking for a quiet, attractive and energy efficient air conditioner, call us at 518-427-8685 and we will be more than happy to help.