More than half of your utility bills in Central Point can be attributed to the cost to heat and cool your home. To save as much money as you can, you should look for a system that can deliver home comfort as efficiently as possible. The better your system’s energy efficiency, the more your system is doing while using less energy. If you’re ready to upgrade or replace your HVAC equipment, you should understand certain terms and ratings to be fully informed and get the best energy efficiency possible.
SEER (used to measure cooling efficiency)
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, rating calculates the cooling efficiency of your equipment at different temperatures. Higher SEER ratings indicate better energy efficiency, and therefore, lower utility bills. For chillier northern states, The Department of Energy requires a minimum 13 SEER rating. Warmer, southern states must have a 14 SEER-rating minimum. If your unit has a smaller SEER-rating, an upgrade could bring you a beneficial spike in energy savings.
AFUE or HSPF (used to measure heating efficiency: gas or electric)
Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio measures the percentage of heat produced for every dollar of fuel expended—just like the miles per gallon you get from your car. Higher AFUE ratings usually mean lower energy costs. So, an AFUE rating of 80 means that 80% of the heat created by your furnace is heating your home, and 20% of the heat is wasted through venting.
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measures the heating efficiency of heat pumps. It is fundamentally the SEER rating for winter since it measures only heating efficiency. Like the other ratings, higher numbers indicate better energy efficiency.
At Titan Heating & Air Conditioning, you’ll find equipment with top energy efficiency ratings. We can help you verify the energy efficiency of your present equipment and help you find ways to improve that efficiency and save money—whether with regular maintenance or with brand new, more efficient equipment. Just call us at 541-286-6617 to schedule an appointment with us.