An energy efficient HVAC system saves you money every time your thermostat turns it on. The efficiency of furnaces and air conditioners continues to advance as technology evolves. To determine the efficiency of HVAC components — whether it’s an installed unit or when shopping for a new replacement — established industry specifications express the efficiency of heating and cooling units, helping you know whether you have an energy efficient HVAC unit.
AFUE Percentage
This figure is a percentage that indicates the amount of available heat produced by a furnace versus heat loss that occurs during the process.
- The Environmental Protection Agency imposes a minimum AFUE of at least 80%. This means that 20% of generated heat is lost by a basic furnace with a standard efficiency rating.
- High-efficiency furnaces, meanwhile, have AFUE ratings of 90% or more. Less heat energy is lost, and there’s more available heat to keep the house warm.
- A high-efficiency AFUE furnace gets the job done by utilizing advances such as intake air that’s piped directly into the furnace from the outdoors, as well as a secondary heat exchanger that harvests extra heat from the furnace exhaust stream.
- A furnace with an AFUE of at least 90% costs more to purchase and install. Once in operation, however, it saves money every month. Over the lifetime of the furnace, savings from higher-efficiency units will compensate for the higher upfront purchase price.
SEER Rating
Short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, the SEER rating represents central air-conditioner efficiency. The SEER rating is determined by calculating the cooling output of a unit over a specific time frame divided by the amount of electrical consumption in watts.
- Presently, the standard-efficiency minimum SEER rating is 13. High-efficiency SEER ratings, however, now range as high as 25, giving you the optimum energy efficient HVAC system.
- Air conditioners in the high-efficiency range typically incorporate technology such as advanced evaporator and condenser coils, a multistage compressor, and a variable speed blower that automatically adjusts system airflow.
When you are ready to purchase an energy efficient HVAC system, contact the experts at Jackson & Sons.
