AC and furnace units that are equipped with modern advancements and emphasize energy efficiency are classified as High Efficiency HVAC systems. A high efficiency HVAC system is built to operate differently than standard systems. They focus on operating at optimal speeds and consistency to lower energy consumption and generate energy savings. To determine a unit’s classification, measuring methods like SEER and AFUE calculate and rate the efficiency of all HVAC systems. The recent improvements of HVAC systems offer many benefits over standard units such as savings, better comfort, and more!
What is SEER Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The amount of heat an air conditioner unit removes is measured against its energy consumption to determine its efficiency. Simply put, higher SEER numbers mean better energy efficiency. Most AC units today are in a SEER range of 14 to 25, with some top of the line units with even higher SEER Rating. As AC units last several years, an older model is going to operate at a much lower efficiency rate. Typically, there’s a yellow sticker on the outside of the unit displaying the SEER ratings.
When shopping for high efficiency AC units, homeowners often notice the higher price tag associated with higher SEER ratings. A recommended guideline to HVAC upgrades is to calculate the return on investment within the next 10 years. It is a smart investment if it saves enough to make up the difference in pricing within that 10 years.
What is AFUE?
AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. This is a method to calculate a furnace’s fuel efficiency per year. 65% AFUE is typical efficiency of older furnaces while newer furnaces can reach up to 98% fuel efficiency! This can help homeowners immediately start seeing a return on their investment from their monthly bills.
What is a High Efficiency Furnace?
Any furnaces that have 90% or higher AFUE are classified as high efficiency. There’ve been several developments in recent years to improve efficiency for furnaces. With the better technology and new features, newer models are able to create more heat with less energy consumption!
How Homeowners Benefit from High Efficiency HVAC
Through the technical advancements of both AC and furnace units, there are several benefits for homeowners besides the reduction of monthly bills. These benefits include a combination of comfort and value, such as:
- Lower Energy Costs: While a high efficiency HVAC system operate more frequently, they do so at lower speeds to maintain correct temperature and humidity levels. This method minimizes energy consumption rather than dropping below and working to regain the set levels.
- Better Air Quality: Higher efficiency means motor fans can move air throughout the house on a regular basis without increasing energy consumption. This improves the quality of indoor air as it’s being filtered more frequently. Furthermore, it works to relieve allergy and respiratory symptoms.
- Precise Temperature Control: With systems that work to maintain temperature and humidity levels, there is more consistency and accuracy than older models. There’s even methods to divide a home into zones and only heat/cool the rooms in use.
- Less Noise: Sound-dampening insulation works to minimize the operational sounds such as the system turning off/on.
- Higher Resale Value: As potential buyers shop for a house, they tend to look at what benefits the house provides. The installation of a high efficiency system vs needing to upgrade can be a significant selling point.
Satterlee’s High Efficiency Hvac Systems
Homeowners are always looking for ways to improve their home’s value, from a new roof to appliances. A high efficiency HVAC system should also be on that list! Not only will you enjoy the next-level comfortability but also receive savings on your monthly bills. At Satterlee, we are always happy to answer any questions to find the perfect system for your personal situation. Reach out to us today, we look forward to hearing from you!
