Understanding AC Unit Efficiency Ratings and Terms

Looking to invest in a new HVAC system but just don’t know where to start? SEER, EER and AFUE are terms you’re going to be hearing and seeing often so learning about what it is will bring you a step closer to making a veery important decision.

SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. It is the ratio of the cooling output over the energy consumed in an average cooling season. While EER stands for “Energy Efficiency Ratio”. Both of these ratios measure energy efficiency – SEER focuses on the seasonal ratio while EER is more of a constant. The higher the SEER rating, the better energy efficiency in the equipment. If you need help determining exactly what SEER rating is best with you, check out Energy Star energy savings calculator on their website.

Another important acronym to understand when investing in your new system is AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The AFUE measures the efficiency when fuel converts to heat. In the conversion process of fuel into heat, a percentage of energy is oftentimes lost.  A high AFUE rating can show that these losses are at a minimum.

Although it’s important to understand these terms, they aren’t the only factors under consideration when choosing a HVAC system. Make sure to get with your heating and cooling expert to determine what’s the most compatible with your home’s size. Remember that you can contact Titan’s at anytime at 651-714-8931 for advice – we can help determine what choice will be the perfect balance between money spent on the unit and money you’ll save on energy bills.