When you’re shopping for a new HVAC system, likely to be the largest appliance in your home, using the Energy Star logo as one of the key criteria for your selection will net you lower energy bills. This program was developed decades ago to guide consumers who want the most energy efficient appliances available.
Since your heating and cooling system uses about half the energy you consume annually, choosing systems that are proven energy savers will make a positive impact on your energy budget. The logo is prominently displayed on the appliance itself, and on its packaging. The minimum energy efficiency requirements for this program stand at these levels for heating and cooling systems:
- Heat pumps and central air conditioners – The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) must be 15 or higher for a split system (one with an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser) and 14 or better for a package system (all the components are located outdoors). Heat pumps have an additional rating called the heating system performance factor (HSPF) that needs to be 8.5 or more for a split system and 8.0 or better for a package system. The minimums for all heat pumps and air conditioners stand at 13 SEER and 7.7 HSPF.
- Furnaces. To earn the Energy Star label, a combustion furnace must have a 90 percent annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) or higher. This rating refers to how much of the fuel the system uses directly for heating. An AFUE of 90 indicates that the furnace wastes just 10 percent of the fuel it uses. The current minimum stands at 78 percent. Most of the furnaces that meet the Energy Star’s efficiency requirement are condensing furnaces which extract the heat from the water vapor that burning gas creates, instead of sending it up the chimney.
To get the best performance from your new HVAC system, make sure the HVAC contractor examines and seals existing ductwork and sizes the appliance using Manual J software.
To learn more about Energy Star HVAC systems in McKinney, Frisco and Allen, contact Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning today.
