Why the Efficiency Rating on Your HVAC System Only Partially Matters
Finding the right HVAC system for your home is a big decision. Looking at the efficiency rating is a good idea to help you choose an HVAC system. However, the efficiency of your HVAC system only matters, as other factors can impact the cost of heating and cooling your home. Keeping a few things in mind can help you determine the best system that meets your needs while still staying within your budget.
What is the SEER Rating?
The efficiency of either a heat pump repair or air conditioning services is measured by using the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The SEER rating is the amount of energy needed to result in a specific cooling output. A higher SEER air conditioner will use less energy to keep your home cool than an air conditioner with a lower SEER.
What is the Recommended SEER?
New systems manufactured after 2015 would need a SEER of 14. However, some air conditioners have a SEER rating of either 22 or 23. Discussing your needs with an HVAC company can help you determine the best option for your home.
What is the AFUE Ratio?
The furnaces’ efficiency is measured using AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). The AFUE ratio is the annual heat output of a boiler or furnace compared to the total annual fossil fuel energy consumed by either the boiler or furnace. In other words, the AFUE ratio can help determine how efficiently your system operates in one typical year.
What is the Recommended AFUE Ratio?
A furnace or boiler with a greater AFUE ratio will be more efficient. For example, an AFUE of 90 will convert around 90% of its fuel to heat while only wasting 10%, which is much better than a lower-rated furnace or boiler. Currently, the federal minimum AFUE ratio is 80% for brand-new systems, while an AFUE of 90% or higher is required for a furnace to be labeled high efficiency.
What Makes an HVAC System Less Efficient?
An HVAC system can be less efficient, even with a high rating. Various external factors can significantly impact how efficiently your heater or air conditioner operates. Keeping some different things in mind can help you improve the efficiency of your system.
Here are a few of the most common factors that can negatively impact the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Poor Installation
Hiring an experienced HVAC company to install your new system ensures the job is done correctly. Getting recommendations or looking at reviews online can help you choose the best HVAC company in your area. On the other hand, choosing the cheapest company can be a risk due to the potential for poor installation.
Leaky Ductwork
Leaks can eventually happen in your ductwork over time. These leaks will usually get worse, which makes it even more challenging to keep your home feeling comfortable. Reaching out to an HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork is important in taking care of these repairs to help you keep your home feeling cozy.
Wrong Size
Choosing the right size system for your home is essential to saving you money. A unit too big for your house will quickly turn off and on. On the other hand, a unit that isn’t big enough will struggle to keep your home comfortable. An HVAC professional can visit your home to determine the best unit size that will work for the layout and size of your home. The climate zone also impacts choosing the unit size for your house.
Lack of Maintenance
An HVAC can begin to operate less efficiently due to a lack of maintenance. For example, dust can cause your system to work harder, which increases the cost of your energy bill. Staying proactive by scheduling routine maintenance can help you improve the efficiency of your system while also reducing the need for HVAC repair services.
Air Leaks
Any leaks around your windows or doors make it more challenging to keep your house comfortable. One way to take care of this issue is to seal these leaks to improve efficiency. Installing new insulation for your home can also play a key role in making it easier to heat or cool your home throughout the year.
Reach Out to Professionals for HVAC Repair Services
Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers HVAC repair services in Salem and the surrounding areas. Our team specializes in mini splits, fireplaces, duct cleaning, and heat pump repair. Providing quality HVAC services is always our number one goal. Feel free to contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about using our HVAC repair services!
