What Do HVAC Ratings Mean?

There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to choosing an HVAC system. Which system is best financially? Which unit fits best in your home? Is it quiet?

Many of these questions are answered in an acronym — like SEER, AFUE, and more.

AFUE (Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

This is associated with how much fuel used in your furnace is turned into usable heat. The better the system, the higher the percentage of heat used. A system with an AFUE rating of 85 means the system turns 85 percent of the fuel into usable heat.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

This is a very popular rating system on the market today. SEER ratings measure how much of the fuel used to power an HVAC system is turned to cooling.

A high-efficiency model will provide more energy savings in the long run but typically costs more upfront. The highest rating is 26 SEER.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)

If you’re looking for a heat pump? This is the main rating you should keep in mind. Look for an HSPF rating above 8.2, as well as a SEER rating above 12.

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value)

Air filters have holes to circulate air throughout your home — MERV rates the sizes of those holes. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the holes in the filter and the fewer the number of particles in your home. Keep an eye out for a filter with a MERV rating of 10 or higher.

Dean’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air can help you keep the air quality in your home comfortable and safe. Whether you have a whole house air cleaner or a stand-alone system, we have the expertise you need! Dean’s can install, repair and maintain indoor air purification and whole house filter systems which are designed to remove airborne pollutants before the air is conditioned and supplied to the living space.