How Exactly Is Energy Efficiency Measured Anyway?

Del-Air

You probably already know that energy costs are on the rise in the US.
With reports showing that annual heating and cooling bills can reach over
$1000, it’s no surprise that homeowners are looking for a way to
reduce their monthly spending on their
air conditioning. Understanding that it’s tough to reduce energy bills if you don’t
truly understand how energy efficiency is measured, Del-Air strives to
educate home and business owners about this crucial factor.

The key to buying the most energy-efficient HVAC systems lies in understanding
the various efficiency ratings used in the industry. Here are the top
5 energy ratings you need to know about:

  • Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): The EER is a measure of the cooling power of an air conditioning system
    per unit of power consumed. A higher EER corresponds with a more powerful system.
  • Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): SEER gives the average efficiency for the whole season, so it is a more
    reliable efficiency rating for air conditioners than other metrics.
  • Energy Star: All Energy Star-rated HVAC equipment must undergo extensive testing to
    determine its performance level. If a system does not score a SEER of
    14.5 or higher on the test, it can’t bear the Energy Star label.
    Hence, buying Energy Star products is a great way to reduce your monthly
    utility costs while contributing to nationwide energy savings.
  • Heating Seasonal Factor Performance (HSFP): This rating measures the efficiency of the heating element of a heat pump.
    A higher HSPF rating corresponds with a more energy efficient system with
    the best pumps delivering an SFP rating of 3.5 to 5.
  • Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV): A rating for air filters in HVAC equipment, MERV refers to the size of
    the holes in the filter. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16 with the latter
    being the highest efficiency.

Contact Del-Air for Expert AC Service

The truth is that you don’t have to sacrifice your family’s
comfort to boost efficiency in the home. At Del-Air, we proudly supply
homeowners with a
wide range of AC units and
filters featuring high-efficiency ratings along with the latest selection of Energy Star products. For more tips
on the best ways to save money on your
 air conditioning bills,
browse the Del-Air blog or call (855) 972-9943 to schedule an appointment with one of our team members.