Air Conditioning Efficiency Calculator

Efficiency Formula:

\[ \eta = \frac{Q_{btu} / 3412}{P_{kW}} \]

Efficiency (η):

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1. What is an Air Conditioning Efficiency Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the efficiency of an air conditioning system, measured as Coefficient of Performance (COP) or Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).

Purpose: It helps evaluate how effectively an AC system converts electrical energy into cooling power.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \eta = \frac{Q_{btu} / 3412}{P_{kW}} \]

Where:

\( \eta \) — Efficiency factor (COP or EER)
\( Q_{btu} \) — Cooling capacity in BTU/hour
\( P_{kW} \) — Power input in kilowatts
3412 — Conversion factor (BTU/h to kW)

Explanation: The formula converts cooling capacity to kW, then divides by power input to get the efficiency ratio.

3. Importance of AC Efficiency Calculation

Details: Higher efficiency values indicate better performance and lower operating costs. Typical values range from 2.5 to 5.0 for residential systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in BTU/h and power consumption in kW. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between COP and EER?
A: COP is dimensionless while EER has units of BTU/Wh. This calculator gives a COP value. Multiply by 3.412 to get EER.

Q2: What's a good efficiency value?
A: Values above 3.0 are generally good. ENERGY STAR units typically have COP > 3.2.

Q3: Where can I find these values for my AC unit?
A: Check the manufacturer's specifications or energy guide label.

Q4: Does this work for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies to heat pumps in cooling mode.

Q5: Why divide by 3412?
A: This converts BTU/h to kW (1 kW = 3412 BTU/h) for consistent units.