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HVAC Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained
Understanding AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. How to choose high-efficiency heating equipment and the benefits of doing so.
Energy efficiency is a crucial factor when selecting heating and cooling systems for your home. Understanding the different efficiency ratings can help you choose the best equipment to maximize comfort while minimizing energy costs. At CES Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about your HVAC system. This guide will explain the most common energy efficiency ratings, including SEER, AFUE, and HSPF, and how they impact your heating and cooling costs.
Understanding SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. It is calculated by dividing the total cooling output of the unit during a typical cooling season by the total energy consumed in watt-hours. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is, which translates to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.
What SEER Means for You:
- Higher SEER ratings indicate better efficiency, which can lead to significant savings on your cooling costs.
- Modern air conditioners and heat pumps typically have SEER ratings ranging from 13 to over 20, with higher ratings offering superior energy savings.
- Investing in a high-SEER system can result in long-term energy savings, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many homeowners.
Learn more about our high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps to find the perfect system for your home.
AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures the efficiency of furnaces, boilers, and other fuel-burning heating systems. AFUE indicates how much of the energy consumed by the system is converted into usable heat. For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% converts 90% of the fuel it consumes into heat, with the remaining 10% lost through exhaust.
What AFUE Means for You:
- Higher AFUE ratings mean greater efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and lowering your heating bills.
- Modern furnaces often have AFUE ratings ranging from 80% to 98%, with high-efficiency models offering the most cost savings.
- Choosing a furnace with a high AFUE rating can significantly reduce your energy costs, especially in colder climates where heating is a major expense.
Explore our range of high-efficiency furnaces to see how you can improve your home’s heating efficiency.
HSPF: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measures the heating efficiency of heat pumps. It is calculated by dividing the total heating output of the heat pump during the heating season by the total electricity consumed. A higher HSPF rating indicates a more efficient heat pump, which translates to lower heating costs and improved energy savings.
What HSPF Means for You:
- Heat pumps with higher HSPF ratings provide efficient heating, making them a cost-effective choice for year-round comfort.
- Current heat pumps typically have HSPF ratings ranging from 8 to 13, with higher ratings indicating better performance.
- Investing in a heat pump with a high HSPF can save you money on heating while reducing your carbon footprint.
Check out our selection of high-efficiency heat pumps and ductless heat pumps to find the right fit for your home.
Why Energy Efficiency Ratings Matter
Energy efficiency ratings are crucial indicators of how well your HVAC system performs and how much it costs to operate. Systems with higher efficiency ratings not only provide greater comfort but also help reduce your environmental impact by consuming less energy. Here’s why you should pay attention to these ratings:
- Lower Energy Bills: High-efficiency systems consume less energy, resulting in lower utility bills. Over time, the savings can offset the initial cost of purchasing a more efficient unit.
- Environmental Benefits: Efficient HVAC systems use less fuel and electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing your carbon footprint.
- Enhanced Comfort: High-efficiency systems often include advanced features like variable-speed motors and improved humidity control, enhancing your overall comfort.
- Rebates and Incentives: Many high-efficiency HVAC systems qualify for rebates and incentives, making them more affordable upfront. Be sure to check for local, state, and federal incentives when considering an upgrade.
Maintaining Your High-Efficiency System
To ensure your high-efficiency heating and cooling system continues to perform at its best, regular maintenance is essential. Routine inspections, filter changes, and system tune-ups help maintain efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and extend the life of your equipment. At CES Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer comprehensive heating and AC maintenance services to keep your system running smoothly year-round.
Contact CES Heating & Air Conditioning for Expert Guidance
Understanding energy efficiency ratings can help you make informed decisions when selecting heating and cooling equipment for your home. At CES Heating & Air Conditioning, our team of experts is here to help you navigate your options and choose the most efficient system for your needs. Whether you’re upgrading your furnace, installing a heat pump, or looking for routine maintenance, we’re committed to providing top-quality service and support.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our Contact Us page to learn more about how we can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.
We Love Our Customers!
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Bill and his crew did a stellar job installing a Mitsubishi heat pump into my shop. They came in right on budget and upgraded the unit free because the one I selected was out of stock. Communication was flawless throughout the process, they cleaned up after themselves and my shop is much more user-friendly now. Thanks Bill!
Bill and his crew did a stellar job installing a Mitsubishi heat pump into my shop. They came in right on budget and upgraded the unit free because the one I selected was out of stock. Communication was flawless throughout the process, they cleaned up after themselves and my shop is much more user-friendly now. Thanks Bill!
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Bill was great to work with, he’s a genuine, knowledgeable guy. He had great advice for our setup. I felt like I was in good hands the whole time working with him. I was shocked that this company does work in Newcastle, Wa, it’s quite a hike from Lake Stevens. Michael, Anthony, and Kaben(spelling?) installed my 3 units. There were a couple would be mistakes but this crew made sure anytime they had a question or concern to double check. This meant that everything was installed properly and those mistakes weren’t made. I would 100% work with these folks again and I’d recommend them to anyone else. Great team, great company.
Bill was great to work with, he’s a genuine, knowledgeable guy. He had great advice for our setup. I felt like I was in good hands the whole time working with him. I was shocked that this company does work in Newcastle, Wa, it’s quite a hike from Lake Stevens. Michael, Anthony, and Kaben(spelling?) installed my 3 units. There were a couple would be mistakes but this crew made sure anytime they had a question or concern to double check. This meant that everything was installed properly and those mistakes weren’t made. I would 100% work with these folks again and I’d recommend them to anyone else. Great team, great company.
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Cascade Energy Services recently installed a Mitsubishi heat pump and minisplit system at my house, and I am very pleased with the experience. Bill handled the sales process gracefully and was always available to answer questions. I received two competing quotes for this service, and only Bill's ideas for how to solve the problems posed by the old house made sense. The installation team was friendly, efficient, and communicated well. They respected the space, keeping it clean and handling tricky issues effectively. I'll definitely contact Bill and his team for any future heating and AC needs.
Cascade Energy Services recently installed a Mitsubishi heat pump and minisplit system at my house, and I am very pleased with the experience. Bill handled the sales process gracefully and was always available to answer questions. I received two competing quotes for this service, and only Bill's ideas for how to solve the problems posed by the old house made sense. The installation team was friendly, efficient, and communicated well. They respected the space, keeping it clean and handling tricky issues effectively. I'll definitely contact Bill and his team for any future heating and AC needs.
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HIGHLY recommend!!! Bill and his team are the literal best. So knowledgeable, not out to scam people out of money. He saved us money! No sales gimmicks, no pressure. Definitely calling them for all future projects. They came highly recommended by a friend, and I am so thankful we went with Cascade.
HIGHLY recommend!!! Bill and his team are the literal best. So knowledgeable, not out to scam people out of money. He saved us money! No sales gimmicks, no pressure. Definitely calling them for all future projects. They came highly recommended by a friend, and I am so thankful we went with Cascade.
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High-quality, professional work for a reasonable price.
High-quality, professional work for a reasonable price.
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We had a nuisance popping breaker that another vendor failed to fix after replacing the breaker, and was glacially slow to respond to our requests to come back out to investigate the issue further. CES came out and was able to fix the issue. They even gave us their number so that they could come by again that same day if it started popping again.
We had a nuisance popping breaker that another vendor failed to fix after replacing the breaker, and was glacially slow to respond to our requests to come back out to investigate the issue further. CES came out and was able to fix the issue. They even gave us their number so that they could come by again that same day if it started popping again.
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I cannot recommend Cascade Energy Services enough. Bill and his team were professional, warm, and friendly. Their estimate on our AC install came in much lower than other companies in the Lake Stevens area. Thanks guys! Much appreciated!!
I cannot recommend Cascade Energy Services enough. Bill and his team were professional, warm, and friendly. Their estimate on our AC install came in much lower than other companies in the Lake Stevens area. Thanks guys! Much appreciated!!
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Bill and his team are going to treat you right and his tech. Anthony are so professional I will definitely use them and let anyone know if they need or want service done get ahold of them 👍
Bill and his team are going to treat you right and his tech. Anthony are so professional I will definitely use them and let anyone know if they need or want service done get ahold of them 👍
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Words can't describe how great this team is. One of the last honest, trustworthy companies in the Seattle area. Bill and their team installed our tankless water heater as well as our ductless mini-split. They also did an amazing job when we later needed to add a new mini-split unit to another bedroom. They have been trusted for year in our house for the maintenance and service of those units. What you won't get from Cascade energy is an upsell to sell more product. Bill clearly cares about his team, and his team even told me about how they had a company outing to a Portland Trail Blazers game (not easy to do). Hard to find that kind of business these days who cares about their team and lets that culture trickle down to how they treat their clients. You won’t be disappointed with their team.
Words can't describe how great this team is. One of the last honest, trustworthy companies in the Seattle area. Bill and their team installed our tankless water heater as well as our ductless mini-split. They also did an amazing job when we later needed to add a new mini-split unit to another bedroom. They have been trusted for year in our house for the maintenance and service of those units. What you won't get from Cascade energy is an upsell to sell more product. Bill clearly cares about his team, and his team even told me about how they had a company outing to a Portland Trail Blazers game (not easy to do). Hard to find that kind of business these days who cares about their team and lets that culture trickle down to how they treat their clients. You won’t be disappointed with their team.
CES Heating & Cooling
In the Business for Over 20 Years Experience
Cascade Energy Services strives to be better each and every day. Our business model is based on honest and ethical practices.
Clean and thorough
Respect for your home is paramount to us. That means using drop cloths, shoe covers, cleaning up fingerprints and vacuuming up all debris and materials each and every visit. We do the work contracted to us to the best of our abilities, as clean and crisp as humanly possible.
HVAC Company in the Area
Cascade Energy Services also believes in giving back to our community and helping those less fortunate than us. We believe that to be successful in life and in business, you must reach out and give back.
For All Your Electrical Needs Visit Our Sister Company, CES Electrical Services!
- Electrical repairs and installations for homes and businesses
- Wiring and rewiring for new construction or renovations
- Lighting design and installation
- Generator installation and maintenance
- Panel upgrades and replacements
Bane and the crew from Casacade Energy Services did an excellent, professional installation of our new Trane furnace (nice and quiet!), along with a house surge protector and earthquake cutoff mechanism for our gas line. Bill was courteous, knowledgeable and very helpful. Also, his office staff helped us through all the warranty work and helped answer questions about rebates. We couldn't ask for a better experience. We will be using them for the annual furnace check up. Thanks, Bill and crew!