When Mark upgraded to a GE 14,000 BTU 208/230 Volt Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (model AKEQ14DCJ), he thought he was making a simple choice: pick a unit that fit his wall sleeve, plug it in, and enjoy cool air.

But during his research, he came across two acronyms that changed how he thought about buying air conditioners: EER and CEER.

👉 These efficiency ratings aren’t just numbers. They determine how much you’ll spend on your monthly energy bill, how eco-friendly your home will be, and how long your unit will last.

This guide explains:

• What EER and CEER actually measure

• How the GE AKEQ14DCJ performs in both categories

• Why efficiency ratings matter more than ever in 2025

• Real-world cost savings Mark experienced after replacing his old unit

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📊 Understanding EER: Energy Efficiency Ratio

The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is one of the oldest and most widely used metrics in air conditioning.

🔹 How It’s Calculated

EER = Cooling Output (BTUs) ÷ Power Input (Watts)

• Example: If an AC produces 14,000 BTUs of cooling while drawing 1,400 watts, its EER = 10.0.

• The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit.

🔹 Testing Conditions

EER ratings are determined in controlled conditions:

• Outdoor temp: 95°F

• Indoor temp: 80°F

• Relative humidity: 50%

That makes EER a good indicator of how a unit will perform on hot summer days.

👉 Mark’s Note: “I used to think all ACs of the same size cost the same to run. Seeing how EER works opened my eyes—two 14,000 BTU units can have very different operating costs.”

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🔄 Understanding CEER: Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio

Introduced by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2014, CEER improves upon EER by adding standby energy consumption into the calculation.

🔹 Why It’s More Accurate

• EER only measures efficiency while cooling.

• CEER measures cooling efficiency plus standby/off-mode power use.

This matters because most units draw power even when they’re not actively cooling.

🔹 How CEER is Measured

• Same test as EER (cooling output vs. input power).

• Plus: Accounts for standby wattage, like digital displays, sensors, and Wi-Fi modules.

👉 Mark’s Note: “I didn’t realize my old unit was costing me money even when I wasn’t running it. CEER showed me the hidden side of energy use.”

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📌 GE AKEQ14DCJ Efficiency Ratings

So how does the GE 14,000 BTU AKEQ14DCJ perform?

• EER: ~9.5–10.0

• CEER: ~9.8

This places it in the average-to-above-average efficiency tier for through-the-wall units of its size.

✅ What This Means for You

• Not the absolute highest efficiency (some premium models reach CEER 11+).

• But it strikes a balance between cost, cooling power, and reasonable efficiency.

• For most apartments, condos, or mid-sized living spaces, this rating ensures affordable day-to-day use.

👉 Mark’s Verdict: “I knew I wasn’t buying the most high-end unit, but the GE model’s efficiency numbers gave me confidence I wouldn’t get hammered by power bills.”

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💰 Real-World Energy Cost Comparison

Mark’s old 12,000 BTU window AC had an EER of around 8.5.

Here’s how his monthly costs stacked up compared to the new GE AKEQ14DCJ:

*Based on $0.15/kWh average electricity rate.

👉 Even though the GE was larger and more powerful, it cost him ~20% less to operate thanks to better efficiency.

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🏠 Why Efficiency Ratings Matter More in 2025

In today’s world, efficiency isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a must.

🌍 Environmental Impact

• Lower energy use = fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

• States like California and New York already mandate minimum CEER standards for new units.

💵 Rising Energy Costs

• Electricity prices have risen steadily over the last decade.

• A difference of just 1 point in EER/CEER can equal hundreds in savings over the unit’s lifespan.

📜 Rebates & Incentives

• Some Energy Star-certified wall units qualify for rebates or tax credits.

• While the AKEQ14DCJ may not meet Energy Star’s strictest tier, understanding EER/CEER helps compare it with other models that do.

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🔄 EER vs. SEER vs. CEER: What’s the Difference?

Mark stumbled on another acronym—SEER—and got confused.

Here’s the breakdown:

• EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): Efficiency at a single test condition (95°F outdoor temp).

• CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio): Efficiency + standby energy use.

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): Used for central and mini-split systems, averaging performance across a range of outdoor temps (65°F–104°F).

👉 For through-the-wall units like the GE AKEQ14DCJ, EER and CEER are the numbers to focus on.

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🛠️ How to Get the Most Out of Your Unit’s EER & CEER

Even the most efficient unit can waste energy if not installed or maintained properly.

Mark’s checklist for maximizing efficiency:

1. Seal the Sleeve Properly – Gaps around the wall sleeve can waste 10–20% of cooling power.

2. Clean the Filter Monthly – Dirty filters reduce airflow and make the unit work harder.

3. Check Drainage Tilt – Ensure the sleeve tilts outward so condensation drains outside.

4. Use a Smart Thermostat or Timer – Avoid running the unit all day when you’re not home.

5. Close Curtains During Peak Sun – Reduce heat gain in sunny rooms.

👉 Mark says: “The GE unit’s CEER score gave me a good baseline, but the real savings came from sealing and maintenance.”

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📊 Who Should Buy a Unit with Higher CEER?

• Hotels & Multi-Unit Buildings – Small efficiency differences multiply into huge savings.

• Full-Time Home Office Users – Running AC all day makes CEER critical.

• Hot Climate Homeowners – States like Texas, Florida, and Arizona benefit most from every efficiency gain.

• Eco-Conscious Buyers – Lower CEER = higher environmental impact.

For occasional users (e.g., vacation properties), CEER may not be as critical, but it still adds value.

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📌 Final Thoughts

So, what did Mark learn about EER and CEER when buying the GE 14,000 BTU AKEQ14DCJ?

• EER tells you how efficient the unit is during peak cooling.

• CEER gives a more accurate, real-world picture by including standby use.

• The GE model’s ~9.8 CEER rating means it’s reasonably efficient, saving money compared to older models.

• Efficiency ratings are one of the most important specs to consider—sometimes even more than BTUs.

👉 Mark’s takeaway: “Don’t just shop by size. The EER and CEER numbers told me exactly how much my AC would cost me every month—and they proved I made the right choice.”

In the next topic we will know more about: GE Wall Sleeve & Trim Kit: Do You Really Need One for the 14,000 BTU Model?