Energy Efficiency 101: Understanding EER and How Amana Units Stack Up

Discover why energy efficiency matters with the Amana 11,900 BTU 230/208V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat and Remote (PBE123J35AA) — and how Amana’s technology helps you save energy, money, and the environment.

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When it comes to choosing the right air conditioner, efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider. A unit’s ability to cool your space while consuming minimal energy directly impacts your comfort, your electricity bill, and even the environment.

Among the many HVAC efficiency ratings you’ll encounter, one of the most important is EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio. Understanding this number can help you make a smarter buying decision and ensure long-term savings.

In this guide, we’ll break down what EER means, how it differs from SEER and CEER, and how Amana’s through-the-wall units stack up against the competition in terms of performance, efficiency, and reliability.

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⚙️ 1️⃣ What Is EER and Why Does It Matter?

The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures how efficiently an air conditioner operates when outdoor temperatures are at a specific level—typically 95°F. The formula is simple:

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

In plain terms, a higher EER means the unit delivers more cooling for less energy. For example, an AC with an EER of 11.2 performs better than one rated 9.5, since it uses less electricity to achieve the same level of comfort.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EER is particularly useful for comparing room air conditioners like Amana’s wall-mounted models, which are often used in apartments, small homes, or hotel-style settings.

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🧠 2️⃣ EER vs. SEER vs. CEER — Understanding the Differences

Air conditioners are rated using several different metrics, but EER, SEER, and CEER are the three you’ll see most often. Here’s how they differ:

🧊 EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)

Measures performance at one constant high temperature (95°F). Ideal for through-the-wall and window units used in consistently warm climates.

🌡️ SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

Calculates efficiency over a range of outdoor temperatures. Commonly used for central air systems or ductless mini splits.

⚡ CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio)

Introduced by the ENERGY STAR program, CEER includes standby and off-mode power consumption—providing a more realistic picture of how much electricity a system uses overall.

For homeowners evaluating Amana’s through-the-wall units, EER is the most relevant metric since it reflects constant, real-world operation in warm weather.

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🌎 3️⃣ Why Energy Efficiency Matters More Than Ever

Energy efficiency isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about reducing your environmental footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), residential energy use makes up around 20% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing an efficient air conditioner is one of the easiest ways to make an impact.

Benefits of energy-efficient HVAC systems include:

• Lower energy bills: Units with higher EER ratings consume less power to cool the same space.

• Better comfort: Consistent cooling without temperature swings.

• Reduced maintenance: Systems that run efficiently experience less wear and tear.

• Environmental impact: Using less power reduces CO₂ emissions and helps conserve resources.

Amana’s line of efficient through-the-wall units combines all these advantages in one compact, easy-to-install design.

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🏠 4️⃣ How EER Impacts Real-World Costs

Let’s see what this looks like in practical terms.

Suppose you run your Amana 11,900 BTU unit 8 hours per day during summer. With an EER of 11.2, it consumes about 1,063 watts per hour. Over a 30-day month, that’s roughly 255 kWh. At $0.15 per kWh, that’s around $38/month.

Now, compare that to a less efficient model with a 9.5 EER.
11,900 ÷ 9.5 = 1,252 watts per hour → 300 kWh/month → $45/month.

That’s nearly $7/month saved or about $84/year—just from choosing a more efficient model.

As electricity rates rise (the EIA reports steady year-over-year increases), those savings only grow over time. Over a 10-year lifespan, an efficient Amana unit could save hundreds of dollars.

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🧩 5️⃣ What Makes Amana Units Energy Efficient

Amana’s focus on energy efficiency is rooted in its design philosophy: build systems that deliver maximum comfort with minimal energy use. Here’s how they achieve it:

🔇 Smart, Quiet Operation

Amana’s airflow system and fan motors are engineered to minimize noise while maintaining steady cooling performance. That means less wasted energy due to fan cycling or compressor strain.

⚙️ High-Efficiency Rotary Compressor

The compressor, often the most energy-hungry component, uses optimized pressure control to maintain temperature without consuming unnecessary power.

🧱 Insulated Cabinet

The body of each through-the-wall unit is designed with insulation to prevent heat transfer. This helps the unit cool (or heat) your space faster and with less effort.

🌡️ Digital Thermostat Control

Precise thermostat settings help eliminate temperature swings that cause units to run longer than needed.

Each of these components contributes to Amana’s strong performance across both EER and CEER metrics, qualifying several models for ENERGY STAR® certification. You can explore ENERGY STAR criteria for room air conditioners on EnergyStar.gov.

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🔋 6️⃣ Comparing Amana’s EER to Competing Brands

To see how Amana performs in context, let’s compare the PBE123J35AA model with similar through-the-wall units from competitors.

Amana’s 11.2 EER rating puts it ahead of most competitors. Even a 0.5 difference in EER can save noticeable energy across thousands of cooling hours.

The ENERGY STAR efficiency charts note that top-performing wall units typically achieve EERs above 11.0—an area where Amana consistently excels.

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🌤️ 7️⃣ Climate Impact: When EER Makes the Biggest Difference

EER is especially critical in hotter regions where your air conditioner runs for extended hours under high loads.

In areas like Texas, Florida, or Arizona, the outdoor temperature often exceeds 95°F—the same condition under which EER is measured. So, high-EER units like Amana’s PBE123J35AA are particularly beneficial.

The Department of Energy’s climate recommendations suggest that consumers in warmer areas should prioritize EER over SEER ratings, since it better reflects performance under real operating conditions.

If you live in a humid or coastal region, the efficiency also contributes to dehumidification performance—another plus for Amana’s design.

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🌱 🔟 Sustainability and the Future of Cooling

Amana’s approach to energy efficiency extends beyond EER. Modern Amana models are engineered to support eco-friendly refrigerants like R-32, which have a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) than older refrigerants such as R-410A.

The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes R-32 as a cleaner, more sustainable option for reducing the HVAC industry’s carbon footprint.

By choosing Amana, homeowners are not only saving on energy but also contributing to a more sustainable, climate-conscious future.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Understanding EER helps you look past marketing claims and focus on real-world performance. When comparing air conditioners, an efficient EER rating ensures long-term comfort, reliability, and savings.

The Amana 11,900 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat and Remote stands out with its 11.2 EER rating, durable build, and smart energy features. It’s not just a cooling system—it’s a long-term investment in comfort and sustainability.

In the next Blog we will learn more about DIY or Hire a Pro? What to Know Before You Cut the Wall