When shopping for a wall air conditioner with heating like the Amana 9,300 BTU Through-the-Wall AC with Electric Heat and Remote, one of the biggest questions isn’t just “Will it cool and heat my space?” — it’s “How much will it cost me to run this thing every month?”
That’s where EER and CEER ratings come in. These efficiency metrics don’t just sound technical — they translate directly into your energy bill, comfort, and even the lifespan of your unit.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what those ratings mean, how they apply to the Amana 9,300 BTU, and what you can expect to spend in the real world.
📊 What Is EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)?
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how effectively an air conditioner converts electrical power into cooling output.
The formula is simple:
EER = Cooling Output (BTUs per hour) ÷ Power Input (watts)
For example, if a unit produces 9,300 BTUs of cooling while consuming 930 watts, its EER is 10.0.
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A higher EER means the unit is more efficient — it uses less electricity for the same cooling.
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A lower EER means the unit requires more electricity to achieve the same result.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average EER for room AC units ranges between 8.5 and 12 depending on size and type
📈 What Is CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio)?
EER alone doesn’t tell the whole story. That’s why the DOE introduced CEER — the Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio.
Unlike EER, CEER accounts for:
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Cooling output during operation
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Power consumption when the unit is in standby mode (waiting but not actively cooling)
This matters because most ACs spend a lot of time in standby, still drawing power. CEER provides a more accurate picture of real-world efficiency.
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CEER ratings are usually slightly lower than EER.
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ENERGY STAR requires a minimum CEER of 10.7 for most room ACs
If your Amana 9,300 BTU unit has a CEER near or above this benchmark, it means you’re getting strong efficiency performance compared to industry standards.
🧮 Example: Estimating EER and CEER for the Amana 9,300 BTU
Let’s walk through an example calculation. (Note: manufacturer specs vary slightly, but this gives you a realistic range.)
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Cooling Capacity: 9,300 BTU/hr
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Power Input: ~890 watts (typical for this size)
EER = 9,300 ÷ 890 = 10.4
That’s a solid score — above average for through-the-wall ACs.
For CEER, if standby power adds a small load (say 40 watts daily), the adjusted CEER might be closer to 10.0–10.2.
This places the Amana 9,300 in a competitive efficiency bracket, although mini splits still lead with CEERs of 15–20
🔍 How the Amana 9,300 Compares to Other Systems
When deciding between cooling options, efficiency often determines long-term costs. Here’s how the Amana stacks up:
| System Type | Typical EER/CEER | Efficiency Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Window Units | 9–11 | Cheap upfront, moderate efficiency |
| Through-the-Wall (like Amana) | 9–12 | Balanced performance, permanent install |
| PTAC (Hotel-style) | 8–10 | Good heating/cooling, but less efficient |
| Mini Splits | 15–20 | Highest efficiency, but more expensive install |
The Amana 9,300 fits squarely in the middle: better efficiency than most PTACs or window ACs, but not as efficient as ductless mini splits.
If you prioritize simplicity, cost, and reliability, the Amana model makes sense. If you prioritize maximum efficiency, a mini split could pay off in lower bills.
💵 Real-World Energy Costs: What EER & CEER Mean for Your Bill
So what does this mean in dollars? Let’s calculate.
Step 1: Convert BTUs to kWh
1 kWh ≈ 3,412 BTUs.
At 9,300 BTUs, that equals 2.73 kWh per hour of cooling.
Step 2: Adjust for Efficiency
If the unit’s CEER is ~10.0, it consumes ~930 watts/hour (0.93 kW).
Step 3: Multiply by Usage
Say you run the unit 6 hours per day for 90 summer days = 540 hours total.
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0.93 kW × 540 = 502 kWh used in a season.
Step 4: Multiply by Electricity Rate
At $0.15 per kWh (U.S. average):
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502 kWh × $0.15 = $75.30 for the summer
If your rates are higher (e.g. $0.25 in some urban areas), that jumps to ~$125.
According to Total Home Supply’s BTU calculator, similar units cost between $60–120 per season depending on location
🌡️ Heating Mode: What to Expect
Unlike heat pumps, the Amana 9,300 BTU uses electric resistance heat. This is less efficient than cooling mode:
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Heating requires more wattage (sometimes 2,000–3,500 watts depending on settings).
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Running costs are higher compared to mini split heat pumps or natural gas furnaces.
So while the heating function is great for supplemental use (shoulder seasons, chilly mornings), it’s not ideal as a primary heat source in cold climates.
🌍 Efficiency, Rebates & Environmental Impact
Efficiency doesn’t just save money — it reduces your carbon footprint.
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Lower wattage = fewer greenhouse gas emissions if your electricity comes from fossil fuels.
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The DOE notes that upgrading to higher efficiency ACs nationwide could save billions in energy costs
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Some states and utilities offer rebates for ENERGY STAR-certified models.
Check with your utility provider — some offer $25–$75 rebates for high-CEER room ACs.
🛠️ How to Maximize Efficiency Beyond Ratings
Even the most efficient AC won’t perform well if installed or maintained poorly. Here’s Savvy’s checklist:
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✅ Install properly in the right wall sleeve with tight seals.
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✅ Clean filters monthly to prevent airflow restriction.
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✅ Vacuum coils to remove dust and maintain heat exchange.
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✅ Seal gaps around the unit to prevent cool air leaks.
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✅ Use blinds/curtains to reduce heat gain in sunny rooms.
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✅ Set a timer or thermostat to avoid wasteful overuse.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) stresses that proper maintenance can boost performance by 10–15%
⚖️ Cost vs. Efficiency Trade-Offs
When shopping, you may see cheaper units with lower EER/CEER ratings. Should you choose them?
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If you run the AC only occasionally, savings from higher efficiency may not justify the higher upfront price.
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If you run it daily for long periods, the difference between CEER 9.0 and CEER 10.0 could mean $100+ saved over the unit’s lifespan.
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For some, peace of mind (knowing bills won’t spike) is worth paying a bit more upfront.
As Consumer Reports highlights, the most efficient units may cost more at checkout but often pay for themselves within a few years in reduced bills
✅ Final Thoughts: Is the Amana 9,300 BTU Energy-Smart?
If you’re sizing your AC/heater for a small to medium space (350–450 ft²), the Amana 9,300 BTU is a strong performer:
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EER ~10.4 → above average efficiency for through-the-wall units.
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CEER ~10.0 → competitive for real-world operating costs.
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Seasonal cooling costs ~$75–125 depending on electricity rates.
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Reliable heating backup, though not the cheapest for long winters.
So, is it the most efficient system on the market? No — mini splits still win. But is it a practical, energy-smart choice for homeowners who want a balance of cost, simplicity, and dependable cooling/heating? Absolutely.
In the next topic we will know more about: Installation Guide: What to Know Before Installing the Amana 9,300 BTU Wall Unit
