How do you know for sure your new furnace or air conditioner is more efficient than your old clunker? Start by taking a look at this HVAC energy efficiency rating infographic for a quick overview. Bookmark the page and refer back to it whenever you want to assess for furnace or air conditioner for an upgrade.
HVAC Efficiency Ratings Explained
Understanding AC Efficiency: SEER Ratings Explained
Air conditioning efficiency isn’t just about staying cool—it’s also about making sure you’re getting the most value from your investment. This is where the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating comes in, a metric used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning units. Specifically, this is a rating that measures the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning unit over an entire cooling season.
Understanding Furnace Efficiency: AFUE Ratings Explained
When it comes to heating your home efficiently and economically, the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of your furnace is crucial. Most furnaces in operation today range from having an 80% AFUE rating to top-tier models with a 98% rating. AFUE ratings provide a snapshot of your furnace’s energy efficiency, showing the percentage of fuel converted into usable heat over a typical year.
How is the AFUE rating of a furnace calculated?
AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a measure of a furnace’s efficiency in converting fuel into energy. It represents the percentage of fuel that is turned into usable heat over a year. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace.
How do SEER and AFUE ratings affect energy costs?
Both SEER and AFUE ratings indicate the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Higher ratings mean more efficient energy usage, resulting in lower operating costs. Investing in units with high SEER or AFUE ratings can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time.
How does climate impact SEER ratings?
While the SEER rating is a measure of average efficiency over a cooling season, your specific climate can impact the real-world efficiency. For instance, air conditioners in hotter, longer summer climates may perform less efficiently than their SEER rating suggests, due to prolonged periods of peak usage. Conversely, milder climates might see performance that’s in line with or better than the SEER rating.
Learn More from ClimateCare
Have more questions about your HVAC efficiency ratings? Or are you ready to upgrade your appliances to more energy-efficient models? Contact your local ClimateCare today!
