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Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Efficiency Ratings Explained...

In the simplest terms The higher efficiency of your heating or air conditioning equipment, the lower your long-term energy costs.


Air Conditioners

For air conditioning the higher the "SEER" number the greater the efficiency and of course the greater your energy savings. At this time United States regulatory agencies require all new air conditioning products to have minimum of a 13 SEER rating. You will find that many equipment manufacturers carry lines of air conditioners with SEER ratings from 13 up to as high as 21.

Please see our Air Conditioning Should You Repair or Replace article for more information on SEER ratings and to find out what the SEER rating of your air conditioner may be right now.

Cost Savings: If you have an older air conditioner you could be save up to 50% off your air conditioning bills by replacing it with a newer high efficiency 18 SEER model. See our Air Conditioning Operating Cost Comparison article for more information.


Gas Furnaces

Gas and Oil furnaces are rated based on the "AFUE" or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which is the standard measurement of efficiency for gas and oil-fired furnaces.

Given in a percent of efficiency, this number tells you exactly how much of your fuel is actually used to heat your home and how much fuel is wasted up the flue. The higher the AFUE rating percentage the greater the efficiency.

Cost Savings: If you have a 10 year or older furnace which generally has an AFUE of approximately 60% to 75%, you could save up to 40% on your heating bills by replacing it with a new high efficiency 95% plus furnace. See our Heating Systems Operating Cost Comparison article for more information.

Please see our Heating Should You Repair or Replace article for more information on AFUE Ratings and to find out what AFUE Rating your furnace may be right now.


Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps are rated based on another system all together, the HSPF or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the efficiency rating measurement utilized to gauge the efficiency of any heat pumps.

Again, the higher the number, the the better the efficiency and higher your cost-savings. Today's models are required to have a minimum rating of 6.8 HSPF and the best can goes as high as 11 HSPF.

Cost Savings: While higher efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners usually means a higher upfront cost they also translate into much lower utility bills.

Here in the Treasure Valley with our hot summer and mild winter climate you will see the higher cost of the high efficiency systems pay back through lower utility bills in just a few short years.

One additional factor that affects the efficiency of your air conditioning or heat pump system is your indoor coil. If your condensing unit is not matched with the proper indoor coil, it may not give you the stated SEER and/or HSPF ratings and could even develop performance problems.

When you replace an existing system, make sure you call Ameri-Serv to ensure that your new air condition or heat pump unit will match your indoor coil and give you optimal performance, efficiency and comfort.