HVAC Energy Ratings Have a Direct Impact on Cost Savings
There is a perfect system out there for your budget, energy efficiency needs and space. How do you go about finding it? First, we will help you to understand the various industry-standard efficiency ratings. That way, as you narrow in on the right sized system, you can compare ratings to determine the best energy efficiency that will lower your energy costs in the long term. When you are searching in Durham for an HVAC system that will meet your needs, call Boer Brothers Heating and Cooling to help you choose the best heating and cooling products that will work for you.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
SEER measures efficiency of the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps. For instance, the higher the SEER number, the better the efficiency. Greater efficiency equals better energy savings. U.S. regulatory agencies require that all new products need to have a 13.0 SEER rating or better. Boer Brothers Heating and Air offers HVAC systems with SEER ratings of up to 20 and most of the systems meet new tax incentives.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
Efficiency is measured by an AFUE rating on gas and oil-fired furnaces. This percentage rating equals the amount of fuel that is used to heat your home, along with the amount of fuel that is wasted. The higher the AFUE rating, the higher the efficiency.
Cost Savings: If your older furnace has an AFUE of close to 60%, you could save up to 40% on your energy bills by getting a high-efficiency replacement furnace. With lower utility bills and greater cost savings, the cost to replace your inefficient, older furnace can be paid back quickly. In Durham, an HVAC system with a high efficiency rating will most likely have tax incentives that deliver even greater cost savings.
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
Heat pumps use a measurement called HSPF to gauge the efficiency of the heating modes. A higher number equals a greater efficiency and cost-savings. Today, heat pumps are required to have a 6.8 HSPF. At Boer Brothers Heating and Cooling, we install heat pumps with HSPF ratings ranging from 6.8 to 9.5.
Cost Savings: A more efficient heat pump and air conditioner will initially cost more. However the lower energy bills will provide cost savings, making it less expensive to own in the long run, while having greater efficiency. Since we live in a warm and humid climate, it will only take a few years to justify the initial expenditure. Then, you will receive more savings annually with lower bills.
Size is Important for Optimum Efficiency
Your indoor coil, or evaporator coil is another factor that affects the efficiency of your Durham HVAC system. Your condensing unit needs to be matched with the proper indoor coil to give the actual SEER and/or HSPH ratings and prevent performance problems. When it is time to replace an existing system, make sure you replace both units at the same time, so your new condensing unit will give you the performance, comfort and efficiency that you need.