Often we choose major appliances—including air conditioners and furnaces—based on our current budget and the cost of the equipment and its installation. But the ongoing energy costs of running your HVAC system are important considerations. Energy efficiency ratings help you plan for a system that is in budget at the time of purchase, and stays in budget while being environmentally responsible.
Rating Systems
So, what are energy efficiency ratings? A number of different measurements are used to describe how efficiently an appliance uses energy or fuel, and how much it costs to operate over its lifetime. These are some of the more common rating systems.
SEER
Air conditioning (A/C) systems are commonly rated on the SEER system—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—which is regulated by the Department of Energy. SEER lets you know how much energy (usually electric) it takes the unit or system to remove heat from your inside air in order to cool it. The minimum U.S. SEER rating is 13, but as of the start of this year (2015), the minimum for the Southern U.S. (including Florida and Georgia) is 14. The higher the number, the more efficient the system—meaning lower energy costs.
HSPF
Heat pump systems are rated by a similar scale: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). The minimum required energy efficiency rating is 8.2, while the scale tops out at 10, where a higher rating equals greater economy (and lower cost).
AFUE
The AFUE ratio, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures the amount of heat production based on energy consumption and applies to gas- and oil-fueled furnaces and boilers. Higher ratings mean less energy is needed to run the system, so fuel costs are lower. Minimum ratings vary based on the fuel and weatherization, but range from 75%-84%. Older units likely do not meet current specifications. High-efficiency systems rate at 90% or greater, and will provide the greatest operating cost savings.
MERV
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a rating system for HVAC air filters. The higher the number (on a scale of 1 to 16), the greater the filtration efficiency as more particles are trapped due to smaller airflow holes. The recommended MERV rating for your furnace or air conditioner depends on the contaminants or particles prevalent in your home or business, and your filter selection should match your appliance and environment. Too high a rating can actually put strain on your HVAC system and restrict its airflow and efficiency.
ENERGY STAR
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the ENERGY STAR label program to designate appliances (including HVAC systems) that qualify as “high efficiency”—performing above government minimum energy efficiency ratings. ENERGY STAR products use less energy and can provide significant fuel cost savings for consumers.
Choosing Your System
Need more help sorting out HVAC energy efficiency ratings? We’re happy to help! Give us a call or contact us online and we’ll help you make sense of the numbers and choose the best air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump for your needs.
