Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - 13 SEER up to 25 SEER Average efficiency rating for air conditioners during the cooling season

Energy Efficiency Ratio - 8 EER up to 23 EER Used to show the efficiency of air conditioners at peak usage times or 95*.

Coefficient of Performance - 1 COP up to 4 COP This is a measurement of efficiency by comparing the power output divided by the power input.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency - 80% AFUE up to 98% AFUE The efficiency of a gas-fired appliance as an average is indicated in a percentage.

Heating Season Performance Factor - 8 HSPF up to 11 HSPF The average efficiency rating for heat pumps during the heating season in some utility districts is 8.2, and HSPF qualifies for rebates.

Energy Savings Calculator

When using any of these terms of measurement to describe efficiency, the key is to make sure you are comparing the same term or measurement rating between each manufacturer or different models of the same manufacturer.

Definitions

SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - 13 SEER up to 25 SEER
Average efficiency rating for air conditioners during the cooling season
EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio - 8 EER up to 23 EER
Used to show the efficiency of air conditioners at peak usage times or 95*.
COP
Coefficient of Performance - 1 COP up to 4 COP
This is a measurement of efficiency by comparing the power output divided by the power input.
AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency - 80% AFUE up to 98% AFUE
The efficiency of a gas-fired appliance as an average is indicated in a percentage.
HSPF
Heating Season Performance Factor - 8 HSPF up to 11 HSPF
The average efficiency rating for heat pumps during the heating season in some utility districts is 8.2, and HSPF qualifies for rebates.

Calculate Your Savings

All of these ratings are key to how efficiently your system is going to operate. The higher the ratings, the less money it will take to operate the system, either for heating or cooling. The company you choose to invest in your home improvement must perform a heat loss and heat gain analysis of your home to properly size your system. It is very common for companies to use a rule of thumb or merely replace their old system with a newer unit of the same size, not taking into account that it may be oversized and that newer equipment is much more efficient.

It has been documented that the lack of efficiency and early failure of equipment is more due to improper installation rather than manufacturer or model. Choosing the proper company to install and routinely maintain your heating and/or cooling system is the key to getting great comfort and longevity out of it.