How Many Watts Does An Air Conditioner Use

The modern convenience of cooling or heating our homes by simply “turning on the air” is quite the luxury. Of course, it does come with a price, which is why it is important for you to understand your air conditioner power usage and how it affects your energy bill. Keep reading to learn how to determine how much wattage your HVAC system is using so you can keep your costs to a minimum.  

The first thing to understand is that there are a lot of factors that go into HVAC efficiency. Everything from the unit model, size, age, and even certain home characteristics – such as insulation – affect the energy consumption of your system. You can calculate a rough estimate using your model’s wattage and approximate system usage. However, to get a general idea of how much energy your systems might be using, here’s a chart of wattage estimates based on unit size:

• Central A/C – 3500 Watts
• Central Air Conditioner Fan Only (Compressor Shut Off) – 750 Watts
• Large Window Component – 1440 Watts
• Medium Window Component – 900 Watts 
• Small Window Component – 500 Watts

Here are some other factors to consider when calculating wattage usage:

• Energy Bill According to Energy Star, a program which certifies buildings and consumer products which meet certain standards of energy efficiency, the majority of homeowners spend about $1000 annually on cooling and heating, which is a whopping 50 percent of the total power bill, just from the HVAC system. In warmer climates, cooling can account for up to 70 percent of your electric bill in the summer. If your energy bill is consistently high, it may indicate that your system is not operating as efficiently as it should. A professional HVAC technician can evaluate it to see if there is a simple solution or if your system needs an upgrade.
• System Size Make sure that your system is the right size for the space(s) you need to cool or heat. If your unit is too small, it will have to work harder to make your space comfortable. Too large, and the unit will cool your home too quickly, allowing excess humidity and moisture to build up.
• Energy Rating Air conditioner efficiency is measured by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the number, the better the performance, as they are the most energy-efficient and will save you money on your energy bill. To find your unit’s number, check the yellow sticker labled “Energy Guide” and look for the section called “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. The number will be displayed directly below it.

Ensuring your system is high efficiency makes everything easier for both your home and wallet. If you are shopping for Air Conditioning Installation near Americus, GA, call the experts at Parker’s Heating and Air Conditioning today at 229-924-3693!