Heating and cooling systems have come a long way in the past few years. Energy Star and SEER Ratings ensure the products we purchase are efficient and use less energy which is better for us and the environment. Here are a few ways that newer model furnaces and air conditioners are more efficient.

SEER Ratings

SEER stands for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating applied to newer, energy-efficient HVAC equipment and other appliances. The higher the rating number is, the better the product performs in terms of energy-savings. Older furnaces and air conditioners were probably rated at a 6 or below, which was alright by older standards. Those standards have now changed and the minimum rating is 13 all the way up to 20. An HVAC system with a rating of 13 or above will work better and more efficient than a system with a lower rating.

Energy Star

Energy Star is a Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that helps consumers and businesses choose products with higher quality and energy savings. Energy Star ratings help consumers identify which products will be a good investment based on their energy-efficiency ratings. Central air conditioners with Energy Star stickers use less energy to operate and save consumers money on their monthly utility bills. Energy Star products are tested by third-party laboratories and certified before they earn their stickers. A few products that have the Energy Star rating are: washers, dryers, refrigerators, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, as well as commercial ovens and light industrial machines.

Programmable Thermostats

Another area where air conditioning has become more efficient is in being compatible with programmable thermostats. A newer furnace or central air conditioner is designed to be energy-efficient right out of the box, but you can practically double those savings by pairing with a programmable thermostat for increased efficiency. Programmable thermostats, if you don’t already have one, saves money over time by allowing consumers to customize their comfort levels when they are home or away.

Improved Efficiency

Furnaces that are 20 years old are probably operating at 50 to 70% efficiency, if they are still working. The newer furnaces operate at 90% efficiency which means that you’ll save money by installing a new furnace despite the cost of a new install.

Contact ABA Heating and Cooling for more information about energy efficiency, heating and/or cooling systems or AC repair. We proudly serve the Austin area and have been providing home heating and cooling for over 20 years. Contact us with any questions or to schedule service.