When choosing air conditioners, many customers will see a label with a SEER value. While the salesman would stress that the higher the SEER, the more energy-saving the air conditioner will be. But is the higher SEER a better option? Now we are showing you the facts behind it and helping you select the air conditioner more scientifically.

 

I. What is SEER?

 

SEER, fully named Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is used to measure the average energy efficiency level of an air conditioner in one cooling season.

       Calculation formula:

SEER = Total annual cooling capacity (BTU) ÷ Total annual electricity consumption (Wh).

 

The higher the SEER value, the better the cooling effect of the air conditioner in the unit power consumption and the better the energy-saving performance.

 

II. Is a higher SEER necessarily better?

 

From the perspective of energy saving, it's true that higher SEER saves more electricity, but it depends on several factors:

Advantages:

Lower electricity cost

High-SEER air conditioners will consume less electricity in long periods of operation, making them suitable for regions with high temperatures or long-term usage, such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

 

More Eco-friendly

Higher energy efficiency means less emission of carbon, which applies to the policies toward environmental friendliness and energy saving in European and American regions.

 

Easier to pass export certification

CE, GCC, ISO, and other certificates are all included with energy efficiency estimation. Air conditioners with higher SEER will be more likely to pass the tests and acquire the market access.

Notes:

High SEER ≠ the most energy-efficient in actual use

SEER value is tested in standard working conditions, while the actual using environment, installation, and the indoor heat burden will all influence the energy-saving effect.

 

Higher cost on the air conditioners

High-efficiency air conditioners are normally adapted with a full DC inverter system, an excellent compressor, and a high-efficiency heat exchanger, combining to create a higher initial cost. It needs to weight the cycle of investment feedback based on the budget.

 

High requirements for maintenance

High-efficiency systems have high requirements for maintenance, cleaning, and installation, which are necessary to inspect regularly in the long-term use to maintain the working efficiency.

 

III. How to select a cost-effective air conditioner with high SEER?

 

Normal household users:

We recommend choosing an air conditioner with a SEER between 15 and 18, considering initial cost and energy-saving performance.

 

Commercial/long-term operation scenarios:

Offices, canteens, and breeding farms can choose SEER 20+ air conditioners with low operation costs, which is considerable in long-term energy savings.

 

Export enterprises/dealers:

It is necessary to focus on the local compulsory requirements of energy efficiency if exporting to the Middle East and Europe markets, such as SASO, SEER >= 13, EU ERP standard, etc.

 

 

IV. SEER advantages of KRG air conditioning products

 

• As a professional exporting brand in air conditioners, KRG provides a series of products from SEER13 to SEER25+, meeting different energy efficiency demands in various markets:
• We support several international energy efficiency certifications, such as GCC, ISO, CE, CQC, ROHS, and ect.
• We provide T1/T3 air conditioner solutions for high-temperature regions.
• Our products apply to various scenarios: household, commercial building, farming, etc.
• We can customize high-efficiency air conditioners that meet energy-saving project bidding requirements

 

It is true that SEER is the key index to weigh the energy-saving performance of air conditioners. Whether the higher SEER product is much better, it needs a comprehensive evaluation based on actual demands, operation environment, and the budget. Only by choosing a proper and suitable SEER value can we achieve energy savings, environmental friendliness, and the maximization of long-term value in a real sense.

 

When choosing air conditioners, most people are concerned about the brand, efficiency, and horsepower. They often miss a key factor, which is the installation position. In fact, even if you purchased a high-efficiency air conditioner, if the installation position is unconventional, then the cooling performance will be decreased and energy consumption will be high, or the life span will be shortened, etc. So how important is the installation position? How to choose a perfect position for installation? Here we will explain and help you pick out the best position to install your air conditioner.

 

I. The impact of improper indoor unit location

 

1. Uneven cooling, bad comfort feeling

If the air conditioner is installed on one side or locked by the furniture in the room, the cold air can not be spread evenly. This will easily lead to "one side cold, other side warm" and greatly discount the feeling of comfort.

 

2. Lower cooling efficiency, more energy consumption

The air conditioner starts frequently to adjust the temperature, consuming more electricity and damaging the air compressor easily. It's not cost-effective in the long run.

 

3. Blow directly toward human body; it triggers "air conditioner illness"

Installation at a lower position or facing the bed will make the cold air blow directly on the head or body, easily lead to "air conditioner illnesses" such as cold, headaches, muscle stiffness, etc.

 

The indoor unit shall be installed in the middle-upper part of the room, avoiding the positions that could blow directly on the human. The air vent is toward the open zone of the space, which is better for cold air to spread.

 

 

II. The impact of improper outdoor unit location

 

1. Bad radiation, lower cooling ability

If the outdoor unit is placed under direct sunlight or bad ventilation and the heat can not be radiated effectively, then the cooling efficiency will be greatly decreased.

 

2. More noise and vibration

Installing on window sills, corners, or weak structural areas can cause noise and vibration problems due to resonance or unstable support.

If the air conditioner is installed on window sills, corners, or weak structural areas, because of the resonance or unstable support, it will make noise and vibration problems.

 

3. Lifespan problem

Being long-term exposed to sunlight or heavy dust accumulation will accelerate the aging of the outdoor unit, influencing the lifespan of the whole unit.

 

The outdoor unit should be placed in a cool and ventilated location, such as a balcony, and keep a heat radiation area of at least 30 cm around it.

 

 

III. Common misconceptions inventory

Misconceptions	Description
Concern on beauty rather than the air flow.	If the air conditioner is installed too high or blocked by the ceiling, cold air circulation is hard to achieve.
The outdoor unit is too close to the wall.	The space for heat dissipation is not enough, affecting the operation efficiency of the compressor.
The indoor unit faces the bed.	The cold air blows directly to the human body, influencing our health.
The distance between indoor and outdoor units is too long.	This will lead to too long a connecting pipe, increasing the energy consumption and installation cost.

 

IV. Advice for the best installation position.

 

• Bedroom: It should be installed in the upper position of the side wall, avoiding facing the bed.
• Living room: It's better to choose the position near the center of the ceiling or the unblocked wall.
• Office: Keep it away from the workplace, ensuring the cold air is dispersed in the activity area.
• Child's room: Avoid direct blowing and concern yourself with the adjustable wind direction.

 

 

V. Reasonable installation consumes half the efforts

 

Whether your home air conditioner works well or not, the installation position determines. Proper installation can not only improve cooling efficiency and energy-saving effects but also extend the lifespan and secure family health. As for an air conditioner, 30% is based on the quality and 70% is on the installation. Please refer to the professional guidance before installation, or give this job to the servicemen.