An energy efficient HVAC system will help you save money on utility bills, not to mention that the system will last longer. What’s more, such a system is also beneficial for the environment. Therefore, it’s crucial to determine whether the current HVAC system in your Indianapolis home is an energy efficient HVAC system. Here’s how you should go about that.
Find Out the SEER Rating
An air conditioner’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) tells you how well the system converts electricity to cooling power. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the system. You’ll find your system’s SEER rating on the unit’s cabinet or in the user manual.
An AC unit’s SEER rating must be at least 14.5 to meet the federal Energy Star program’s specifications. If your unit’s rating is lower than that, you may consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient, Energy Star-qualifying unit.
Check Furnace Efficiency
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is used to measure furnace efficiency. A higher AFUE percentage indicates a higher efficiency at which a furnace burns its fuel. A furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% or above is considered reliably efficient. You’ll get the best value for your money if you invest in a system with an AFUE rating above 95%. You can find out your system’s AFUE by checking the plate on the furnace cabinet or the materials the unit came with.
Watch Out for Signs of an Inefficient System
Age is a significant factor that can slow your HVAC system’s real operating efficiency. If your system is more than a decade old, its operating efficiency will likely have degraded. Neglecting maintenance and required repairs will further reduce the system’s effective efficiency. You could have an 18 SEER AC system that’s downgraded to 14 or lower.
Frequent HVAC breakdowns, higher utility bills, and increased interior humidity are other signs that may point to your HVAC system not being an energy efficient HVAC unit.
If your home has an energy efficient HVAC system, keep it working efficiently with routine maintenance. If you’ve determined your system isn’t energy-efficient or are unsure, contact an HVAC professional to establish whether your system needs repair or replacement. Contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing if you need HVAC maintenance, repair, or replacement in the Indianapolis area.
