You may have heard that it’s essential to check an HVAC system’s SEER, AFUE or HSPF rating before you buy it. However, you may not be sure what these terms mean. We’ll discuss in detail what these different HVAC system ratings mean for homeowners in Winter Garden, FL.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A SEER rating shows how efficient your air conditioner or heat pump is by comparing the cooling output it delivers against the electric energy it consumes in one cooling season. Most modern systems have a rating of 13 to 21.
A higher rating translates to more comfort and reduced energy bills. Usually, units with a higher rating will cost more than units with a lower rating.
AFUE means Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The rating determines your heating system’s efficiency by measuring how efficiently it converts fuel to heat in one year. High-efficient units have a rating of 90% to 98.5%, while mid-efficient systems have a rating of 80% to 83%.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a system with a lower rating than 80% is inefficient. While shopping for a new unit, you’ll find the AFUE rating on the Energy Guide sticker or the owner’s manual.
Before buying and installing a new heat pump, it’s essential to consider its HSPF rating. A Heating Seasonal Performance Factor shows how efficient your heat pump is in a heating season.
It measures the heating output your heat pump offers against the energy it consumes. A highly efficient heat pump has an HSPF rating of between 9 and 10.
ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps have a minimum HSPF of 9.2 and a SEER of 16. ENERGY STAR is a body that helps consumers identify efficient heating and cooling systems.
Contact Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning for excellent HVAC services. Our professionals will help you understand everything you need to factor in before you buy a new HVAC system.
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Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
