Are you comparing the efficiency ratings of new heating and cooling systems? Perhaps you want to check the rating on your existing HVAC system. Regardless, you can find the efficiency rating and estimated annual operating costs by checking the yellow Energy Guide sticker along the side of the unit. We’d like to share some details about the different ratings you might see and what they mean.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, a rating of air conditioning efficiency. The SEER rating is a calculation of the cooling output of an air conditioner over an entire cooling season, divided by the amount of energy consumed during that period. A higher SEER rating indicates better energy efficiency and lower energy bills.
Presently, the minimum SEER rating for new air conditioners is 14 SEER in the northern U.S. and 15 SEER in the southern U.S. This is an increase from the past minimum requirement of 13 SEER in the north and 14 SEER in the south, which was in effect from 2015 to 2022. This adjustment reflects the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) persistent efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
These days, high-end air conditioners boast ratings of 26 SEER or higher, delivering amazing energy savings. However, outstanding SEER ratings usually come with a higher up-front cost. This means you should consider both the initial investment and the potential for continued savings when choosing a new air conditioner.
While SEER ratings are more known to consumers, cooling systems have another efficiency metric you should know about. It’s called EER, and it stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. This conveys the performance of an AC unit under specific operating conditions. The EER rating helps you understand if the system will support the demand on the hottest summer days.
Currently, only the southwest region has a minimum EER rating of 12.2 EER for residential central air conditioners. Peak ratings top out at about 14 EER. Most of the time SEER and EER almost always correspond, with higher ratings meaning better overall performance.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings are measurements of the energy efficiency of air-source heat pumps when in heating mode. HSPF is a proportion of the total heat output in British Thermal Units (BTUs) during the heating season to the volume of electricity used in watt-hours. A higher HSPF rating indicates a more efficient heat pump.
The minimum HSPF rating for new heat pumps is 8.8 HSPF, an increase from the previous minimum of 8.2 HSPF. By requiring higher minimum HSPF ratings, the DOE hopes to encourage the use of more energy-efficient heating systems in homes and businesses throughout the U.S. You can always settle for the minimum, but you may want to get a high-end heat pump with a rating of 13 HSPF or higher for the best performance.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings are another measure of heating system efficiency, but they apply to furnaces and boilers. AFUE is a proportion of the annual heat output to the energy consumed during that period. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace or boiler.
In 2023, the minimum AFUE rating for new gas furnaces was revised to 81. Previously, the south and southwest had a minimum of 80 AFUE, and the north required ratings of 90 AFUE or higher. Although there are no laws demanding that you install a system with ratings above the minimum, you’ll spend less on your energy bills by opting for a furnace rated 95 AFUE or higher.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the ENERGY STAR program in 1992 to help homeowners and businesses identify the most energy-efficient products available. HVAC equipment, appliances, water heaters, light fixtures, office equipment, electronics and building products that have a minimum threshold of efficiency can earn ENERGY STAR certification.
ENERGY STAR-rated products go far beyond the minimum requirements to save energy and reduce emissions without sacrificing performance or features. You can also look for the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation, which highlights the top performers in energy efficiency and innovation. The EPA is currently overhauling the qualification requirements in the wake of the new minimum HVAC efficiency standards.
For help deciding which HVAC energy-efficiency rating is right for your budget, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can assess your situation and help you make an informed choice. Rest assured that we offer a range of products from today’s top brands, all of which meet or exceed the minimum efficiency requirements for 2023. We’re so sure you’ll be satisfied with our services that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to schedule a no-cost HVAC installation estimate, please contact a Service Experts office near you.
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There’s no reason to skip your seasonal maintenance that saves energy and helps ensure your air conditioner and heater will work reliably all season long.
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