When purchasing an HVAC system, energy efficiency is a topmost priority for several homeowners. Energy Star certification is a reliable metric for most other electronics and is worth considering. However, many people need to be made aware that the big yellow stickers that display the Energy Star logo on their outside condensing unit do not reflect the good SEER rating of a system.

The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures an entire HVAC system's (indoor and outdoor unit) cooling output per unit of energy used over an entire cooling season. A higher SEER rating results in a more efficient system. Energy Star certification requires a minimum SEER2 rating of 14.3, but the good SEER rating of a system is not always reflected on the big yellow stickers.
The stickers are placed on all systems, including SEER ratings lower than 14. The sticker is used as a guide to calculate the SEER rating. Still, a good SEER rating is found by looking up the AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) number, a third-party research institute that rates equipment equally across different brands and system types. This number considers the entire system and how it works together.

It is essential to understand the AHRI rating of an HVAC system before making a purchase. Every legitimate HVAC company should include the quoted system’s AHRI number for independent review by the customer. This rating considers the SEER rating and other important factors, such as the system's EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor).
Energy Star certification, in the case of HVAC, is not equipped to handle the variable factors and nuances when it comes to the efficiency of an HVAC system. Paying attention to the SEER rating and AHRI number is much more critical. This is because the entire system, including the furnace and air handler, must be considered to determine the actual energy efficiency of the system.

In closing, while Energy Star accreditation is intended to assist consumers in selecting energy efficient items, it is critical to remember that this metric does not reflect a system's actual energy efficiency in the case of HVAC.

The AHRI rating considers the entire system and how it works together. At Team Enoch, we understand the importance of energy efficiency.

We are high-rated professionals at assisting homeowners in selecting the ideal HVAC system for their needs, and we make every effort to make our estimates as transparent as possible, making it simple to compare quotations.

Visit us at www.teamenoch.com or 817-888-8880 ext. 3 for the HVAC department to learn more.