Air conditioner energy class: what SEER and SCOP mean

The energy class of an air conditioner tells you how efficiently the unit converts electricity into cooling or heating. It is based on the seasonal indicators SEER (cooling) and SCOP (heating), which you will find on the energy label and in the technical data.

SEER – seasonal cooling efficiency

SEER expresses how much cooling the unit produces from one unit of electrical energy during the whole cooling season. It takes into account different outdoor temperatures and operation at partial output. The higher the number, the more economical the cooling.

SCOP – seasonal heating efficiency

SCOP is the equivalent of SEER for heating. If you also plan to heat with the air conditioner, it is an important figure. SCOP is stated for different climate zones – the average zone is usually used for our conditions. Read more about heating in the article Heating with an air conditioner: is it worth it?.

The energy label

On the air conditioner label you will mainly find:

• the energy class for cooling and for heating,
• the SEER and SCOP values,
• the design output for cooling and heating,
• the indicative annual energy consumption,
• the sound power level of the indoor and outdoor units.

How to compare air conditioners

Compare models with similar output. The difference in class or SEER between two units shows mainly when you use the air conditioner often – for example all summer or for heating as well. With occasional use in one room, other features such as noise may be more important.

Efficiency is not everything

Even the most efficient air conditioner uses far too much if it is badly sized, badly installed or clogged. That is why the correct output (What air conditioner output do I need? What it depends on), professional installation and regular maintenance matter.

We will help you choose

For each Daikin model, we will explain its efficiency in cooling and heating and compare it with the alternatives. Contact us or see our range of air conditioners.