Not so long ago, the heating and cooling systems were thirsty like Homer from The Simpsons. However, since the last decade, heating and air conditioning systems have become much more energy-efficient or cost-efficient. HVAC companies have significant changes to their approach to “efficiency”. And to make sure consumers are aware of what type of or how efficient heating and cooling system they are getting for their home, many efficiency rating systems are brought to the market. Today, I’ll talk about them, more specifically SEER, EER, HSPF and AFUE ratings.

Different Energy Efficiency Ratings for Heating and Air Conditioning System

When you buy a heating unit like a heat pump, gas furnace, boiler, etc. or an air conditioning system, you see these 4 efficiency ratings on them – SEER, EER, HSPF & AFUE.

Ever wondered what these ratings mean?

1.      Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio – SEER Rating

SEER rating or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is used to compare the energy-efficiency or cost-efficiency of different air conditioning units.

SEER ratings are basically ratios that we get by dividing the annual cooling output with the total energy input.

The basic formula is ? (Annual cooling output in the cooling season) ÷ (total energy input in the cooling season)

The higher this SEER rating is for an AC, the more energy-efficient thus cost-efficient it is. And don’t worry, I’ll talk about this SEER rating in details soon.  

2.      Energy Efficient Ratio – EER Rating

Energy Efficient Ratio or EER is used for room air conditioners mostly while SEER rating is used for central air conditioners.

The formula to calculate EER is very similar to SEER. The basic formula is ? (Total cooling output at a time) ÷ (total energy input at that time period)

And like the SEER rating, higher the EER rating, the more efficient it is.

3.      Heat Seasonal Performance Factor – HSPF Rating

HSPF or Heat Seasonal Performance Factor is basically the equivalent of SEER rating in heating mode. HSPF and SEER ratings are both used for heat pumps because they can provide both heating and cooling.

The basic formula to calculate HSPF is ? (Total heat output in heating mode) ÷ (total energy input at that time period)

Also, the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient your heating unit is.

4.      Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency – AFUE Rating

Lastly, Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE rating is the rating system for furnaces, boilers and heaters. It is like the SEER, EER and HSPF rating but for furnaces. Besides, they are super easy to read. Not complicated at all.

The basic formula to calculate AFUE is ? (Total heat output) ÷ (total fuel energy)

And yes, the higher the AFUE rating is, the more you will save from your energy bills.

See the summary of this article here in this infographic – Different Energy Efficiency Ratings Of Heating And Air Conditioning Systems [Infographic]. And don’t worry, I will talk about these 4 ratings – SEER, EER, HSPF and AFUE later in details here on Brand Name AC For Less.

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