What does it mean to be efficient? The dictionary tells us something is efficient if it performs in the best possible manner with the least waste. But what does it mean to be efficient when you are a furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioner? The high efficiency units available today for your home can provide long years of service at very low cost.
What Does it Mean to be Efficient in Furnaces and Boilers?
Oklahoma is in the southern tier of states for ratings by Energy Star, the federal government’s program to boost consumer efficiency, save you money, and use less foreign energy sources. Energy Star certified furnaces will have a special “U.S. South” Energy Star logo, and will be up to 12 percent more efficient than standard models. This will save you an average of $36 in energy costs annually.
In boilers, Energy Star certified oil boilers will have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 87 percent or higher; gas-fired boilers will have 90 percent or higher AFUE ratings.
What Does it Mean to be Efficient in Heat Pumps?
In geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), Energy Star certified units are over 45 percent more energy efficient than standard models. Through December 31, 2016, homeowners installing Energy Star certified GHPs can get a 30 percent federal tax credit, too. This makes GHPs both efficient and economical.
Measuring heat pump efficiency is a bit complicated, because different yardsticks measure different factors. Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures cooling efficiency; Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is more realistic measurement for an entire season of cooling. Coefficient of Performance (COP) works for both heating and cooling functions, and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measures only heating efficiency. The higher the SEER and HSPF, the more you will save.
What Does it Mean to be Efficient in Central Air Conditioners?
Energy Star certified central air conditioners will have SEER values of 15 or greater for split systems and single package equipment. This high SEER rating will help your central AC use eight percent less electricity than conventional models.
Whether you need a furnace, geothermal heat pump or central air conditioner, at Airco Service Inc., we have the trained crews and knowledgeable technicians to install your energy-efficient equipment properly the first time.
Whether you need new equipment or HVAC repairs, contact Airco today to learn how efficiently we can serve you!