Is Your HVAC Unit Energy Efficient? Here’s How to Tell.

Energy EfficientAn energy efficient HVAC system saves you money on utility bills, lasts longer, improves home comfort, and is better for the environment. Considering the multiple perks that such a system affords you, it pays to determine if your current unit is really energy efficient. Here are some helpful indicators.

The Unit’s Efficiency Rating

You can learn how efficient your HVAC unit is by checking its energy-efficiency rating. You’ll find the rating on the unit or in the user manual.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is a measure of how efficiently your central air conditioner or heat pump converts electric energy into cooling power. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. The SEER rating of modern AC units in our climate zone ranges from 14 to 25. If you have an older unit, the rating could be as low as 8 or 9.

An Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is the metric for furnace efficiency. It measures efficiency on a scale of 1% to 100%. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficiently the furnace burns its fuel to heat your home.

Energy Star Certification

The federal Energy Star program helps people identify appliances that save them money and helps protect the environment. HVAC units with the Energy Star label offer superior efficiency and savings.

Signs of Inefficient Performance

Regardless of how high your HVAC unit’s efficiency ratings may be, the unit could fail to give you the expected efficient performance. Age is one of the factors that could slow down your unit’s operating efficiency. HVAC systems usually lose efficiency as they age. The older your unit is, the less likely it is to perform at optimum efficiency levels. Neglecting repairs and poor maintenance also lower your system’s efficiency.

Other signs of you not having an energy efficient HVAC include:

  • Higher energy bills
  • Increasingly humid indoor environment
  • Hot and cold spots
  • Frequent breakdowns

Scheduling routine maintenance and replacing your older system with a newer, more energy efficient HVAC model will help you save money for years. Contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company for the most energy efficient HVAC products and services in the Yuma area.