HVAC systems are typically the largest consumer of energy inside a home or a business establishment. Ensuring that they run efficiently will go a long way towards saving on utility costs. The industry measures efficiency ratings in a number of different ways. Each of them provides users with a distinct angle from which to view the machine’s capacity to utilize energy for temperature management.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
The EER provides a numerical value that quantifies the amount of cooling that can be expected from a system for every dollar spent on power. As actual output may vary depending on the conditions, EER is routinely measured on the hottest day of the year. People are thus seeing the efficiency at the highest level of stress. Both the output cooling energy and the incoming electrical energy are measured with the former being divided by the latter to get the ratio.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
SEER is very similar to EER with one important distinction: The measurement of SEER is based on the average temperature throughout the year. It may not be a stress test, but it provides a good indication of how a unit will perform throughout the changing seasons. The values range from 13 to 22 for modern systems. Higher values indicate better efficiency.
Energy Star
The U.S. government has stepped in to promote the use of energy efficient systems for both environmental and economic advantages. The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has used the “Energy Star” label as a reward for HVAC systems that pass its efficiency requirements. Before a unit can wear this badge, it first needs to show that it contributes to nationwide energy savings. The premium paid by the buyer to acquire unit, rather than a less efficient option, should be small enough to enable a quick return on their investment.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
The HSPF is relevant to heat pumps, especially their heating component. It is a measure of its efficiency and typically ranges from 6.8 to 10.0. Those who are looking for a highly efficient option should not go below the 7.5 mark. It is computed by a division of the output heating energy with the input of electrical energy.
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