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Hex HVAC System Guide: Part 2 - Energy Efficiency
Learn how to read and understand HVAC efficiency ratings like SEER and AFUE. Click terms for details!

Why Efficiency Matters

Energy efficiency ratings tell you how much heating or cooling you get for the energy consumed. Understanding these ratings (SEER, EER, AFUE, HSPF) is key to choosing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly system. Higher ratings generally mean lower operating costs.

Investing in a more efficient system can lead to significant long-term savings on your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact.

Visualizing Efficiency & Savings

Higher efficiency directly translates to lower energy bills. While more efficient units might have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings on electricity or fuel can significantly offset the initial investment over the lifespan of the system. Use our Savings Advisor tool to estimate your specific potential savings.

Cooling (SEER)

Higher SEER = Lower Cooling Costs

Example: Upgrading from SEER 10 to SEER 16 can save approx. 37.5% on annual cooling costs.

Heating (AFUE/HSPF)

Higher AFUE/HSPF = Less Wasted Fuel/Energy

Example: An AFUE 95% furnace wastes only 5% of fuel, compared to 20% waste for an 80% AFUE unit. Heat Pumps (HSPF) offer even greater efficiency in milder climates.

Estimate Your Personal Savings

Decoding the Ratings (Click Each Block!)

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

Type: Cooling (AC & Heat Pumps)

Typical Range: Typically 13-26+

Measures air conditioner cooling efficiency over an entire cooling season. The higher the SEER ratin...

Click for full definition & example

EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)

Type: Cooling (AC & Heat Pumps)

Typical Range: Typically 11-14+

Measures cooling efficiency at a specific outdoor temperature (usually 95°F). Often used for compari...

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AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

Type: Heating (Furnaces)

Typical Range: Typically 80%-98.5%

Measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel (gas or oil) into heating energy over a year, expre...

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HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)

Type: Heating (Heat Pumps)

Typical Range: Typically 8.2-13+

Measures the heating efficiency of a heat pump over an entire heating season. Similar to SEER for co...

Click for full definition & example

Regional Considerations & Minimum Standards

Your geographical location plays a big role! Minimum efficiency standards vary by region based on climate needs. For example, southern regions often require higher SEER/SEER2 ratings due to longer cooling seasons, while northern regions might prioritize higher AFUE or HSPF/HSPF2 ratings for heating.

Always check current local and federal minimum standards set by the Department of Energy (DOE) when buying a new system. Higher efficiency usually qualifies for more rebates.

Next: Indoor Air Quality