What Do the Different HVAC Efficiency Ratings Mean?

HVAC efficiency ratings come in handy in helping homeowners decide which HVAC unit to purchase. There are different ratings for various systems. We will cover the various HVAC ratings and what they mean in Franklinton, NC.

SEER Rating

A seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) shows the efficiency level of your heat pump or air conditioner. It compares the cooling output the system delivers against the electric energy it uses in one cooling season.

Modern systems have ratings ranging from 13 to 21. Highly rated systems consume less energy while regulating indoor temperatures.

HSPF Rating

A heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) rating indicates the efficiency of a heat pump. The rating compares the energy the system uses against the warmth it provides in one season.

Usually, heat pumps with a higher rating are more efficient. Highly efficient systems have an HSPF rating of between 9 and 10. Systems with a higher rating cost more than their lower-rated counterparts.

A heat pump uses both HSPF and SEER ratings to measure its efficiency since the system has both cooling and heating abilities. While HSPF ratings measure the system’s efficiency during the hotter months, SEER ratings show how efficient the unit is during a cooling season. Heat pumps with an HSPF rating of 9.2 and a SEER rating of 16 get ENERGY STAR’s approval.

AFUE Rating

Consider checking a heating system’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating before you buy and install it. An AFUE measures how efficiently your furnace uses fuel to heat your home. It compares the energy the system uses versus the heat it generates in one year. The US Department of Energy notes that highly efficient systems have a rating of 90% to 98.5%.

Contact Alford Mechanical for excellent HVAC services. Our professionals have multiple years of experience repairing and installing HVAC units. You can count on us.

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