An energy-efficient HVAC system can lower energy bills and improve indoor comfort. Call 954-900-1098 to confirm you have a truly efficient system.
The HVAC system accounts for a significant chunk of the energy consumption in any home. Therefore, an inefficient system can have far-reaching consequences for your pocket. You also face the discomfort of using an inefficient or underperforming heating or cooling system in the winter or summer months.
So, it makes sense to confirm your system’s energy efficiency whenever possible. Have you moved into a new home? Have you gone years without evaluating your HVAC system? The leading HVAC company in Oakland Park, FL, looks at how you can assess your HVAC system’s energy efficiency in this post.
Check the SEER and AFUE Ratings
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings are the primary metrics for judging an HVAC system’s energy efficiency.
You’ll find the SEER rating on air conditioners and heat pumps. It measures the cooling output from the unit during a cooling season and the total electric energy input required to deliver that cooling performance. Energy-efficient HVAC systems have a high SEER rating. Your AC or heat pump is energy efficient if it has a SEER rating of at least 14, but the higher, the better.
The AFUE rating only applies to furnaces. It measures a furnace’s efficiency in converting fuel to energy. If your furnace has an AFUE rating of 80%, it converts 80% of the fuel it consumes to heat, while the other 20% is lost during combustion.
A high AFUE rating confirms your furnace’s energy efficiency. The most efficient furnace systems have AFUE ratings of 90% or more.
Check for the Energy Star Certification
HVAC systems with Energy Star certification meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Systems that receive this certification generally use less energy, so they can help you save money on your utility bills. They are also great for the environment as they don’t contribute to generating as much greenhouse gas emissions as the alternatives.
HVAC systems with the certification display the Energy Star label clearly.
Evaluate the HVAC System’s Age
The reasoning here is straightforward: an HVAC unit that is too old will unlikely be as energy efficient as the more modern options on the market today. If the HVAC system is from 10-15 years ago, you should be in the market for a replacement.
Check Your Energy Bills
Compare your energy bills from the last few years. If your cooling or heating costs have increased significantly without any changes to your usage habits, it usually means you don’t have an energy-efficient HVAC system.
It’s not always easy to make this comparison if you’ve moved to Oakland Park, FL, from somewhere else recently. However, you can evaluate the numbers by looking at the data from your previous residence and then compare it to what your bills reflect now in the new place after accounting for tariff changes.
You should have a rough estimate of how much you’re losing to an inefficient system. Energy-efficient systems often translate to low utility bills.
Evaluate the System Performance
Sometimes, the clearest indicator of inefficient operation is the HVAC system’s performance. Energy-efficient HVAC systems reach the desired temperature quickly, and every part of the home will feel cool or warm, as the thermostat readings indicate. The HVAC system will also run without making any discernible noise.
Regular AC Maintenance and Furnace Maintenance play a crucial role in ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and prolonging equipment life.
Therefore, if you can’t seem to enjoy a steady temperature around your home, it’s a clear sign that your HVAC system is not as efficient as it should be.
Get a Professional Audit From Your Local HVAC Pros in Oakland Park, FL
Are you still unsure if you have an efficient heating and cooling system? You should consider getting a professional audit of your HVAC system. At Cool By Design, our highly experienced crew can comprehensively evaluate your HVAC system and provide easily digestible results in its current state.
We’ll tell you if your setup needs repairs or if you’re better off scheduling a replacement. We’ll check SEER and AFUE ratings, component health, and more. However, we look beyond the HVAC equipment to also evaluate elements like the ductwork and your home’s insulation.
Start on your journey to enjoying an energy-efficient HVAC system. Call Cool By Design in Oakland Park, FL, today at 954-900-1098 to schedule a consultation.
Further Reading: Does installing a new AC unit increase home value?