When selecting a heating and cooling system, it’s important to consider the different HVAC ratings to ensure you select the right unit for your home. HVAC efficiency ratings offer insight into how your system consumes energy and its overall performance, allowing you to choose a model that provides optimal comfort.
Below, we’ll discuss what HVAC service ratings are and how they apply to heating and cooling systems. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are HVAC Efficiency Ratings?
HVAC ratings measure the efficiency of each heating and cooling system component, allowing you to better understand how much different models cost to operate and how they’ll perform long-term.
For example, if you’re looking for an air conditioner, its efficiency rating will determine how well it converts electrical energy into cool air.
Homeowners can use these ratings to compare different HVAC units to determine which best fits their needs, personal comfort levels, and utility budget.
HVAC Ratings and Their Applications
HVAC systems have four main service ratings: SEER, EER, HSPF, and AFUE. Each rating displays how well a unit maintains the right temperature when in use—the higher the rating, the better the performance!
Below, we’ll break down each HVAC service rating, what they measure, and how you can use them to select the best HVAC system for your home.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures the output of systems like air conditioners and heat pumps during hot weather.
Performance is measured by how much electricity an AC or heat pump consumes compared to its cooling output. In Canada, a cooling unit must have a minimum 13 rating, usually up to 21.
For example, at DirectBuy Furnance, we supply and install the Trane XR17 air conditioner with a SEER rating of up to 18. This unit has an excellent output while being high enough on the rating scale to remain energy efficient (Visit our Products page to learn more about the Trane XR17).
Due to the warmer climate of the Lower Mainland, particularly during summer, homeowners should pay special attention to the SEER rating of their cooling system. Choosing a higher SEER rating will ensure utility bills remain low throughout peak cooling periods.
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the same as the SEER rating but measures an AC’s year-round output instead of its seasonal output.
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
The HSPF rating (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures the output of heat pumps during peak operating times, particularly the winter months. This rating is calculated by dividing the total heat production by the electric energy input throughout the same period.
This rating is vital for determining how well your chosen heat pump will heat your home during the winter.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
The efficiency of furnaces and boilers is measured using the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating, calculated by dividing the heat output by the total energy consumed annually.
This calculation shows the percentage of fuel converted to heat versus fuel lost during combustion. For example, the RunTru A951X Gas Furnace by Trane has an AFUE rating of up to 96%. This means 96% of the fuel is turned into heat, while the remaining 4% is lost to combustion.
Homeowners requiring more extensive heating during colder months should pay special attention to the AFUE rating of the furnace or boiler they’re considering. A higher rating will ensure you remain warm and comfortable all winter.
Choose DirectBuy Furance for Quality HVAC Services
Are you looking for a high-rated heating and cooling system for your home? At DirectBuy Furnance, we supply and install the best Trane HVAC systems in the Port Coquitlam and Lower Mainland area.
Our furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and boilers undergo industry-standard testing to ensure optimal performance and achieve high SEER, EER, HSPF, and AFUE ratings. Contact us today to learn more about our services and the products we install.