Energy Efficiency

We have all heard the letters, but what do they all stand for:

EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio
•         Is a measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate.

•         The larger the number, the higher the efficiency.

•         Is calculated by dividing the BTUs per hour delivered, by the amount of energy used in Watts per hour. 

SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
•         Is a measure of seasonal efficiency of a system compared to the energy required for operation.

•         Minimum SEER ratings are established by the Department of Energy.

•         On January 23, 2006, the minimum for residential central air conditioning systems became 13 SEER.
AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
•         is a rating of how efficiently a device (furnace or boiler) uses fuel over the heating season.

•         Is measured by how efficiently the appliance uses fuel (gas or oil) over the course of a year. 
HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
•         Similar to the SEER and Seasonal COP.

•         Relate the efficiency of equipment for a season.

•         Takes into account the normal cycling of the systems components such as compressors, fans, etc.

•         Any fuel can be the source including electricity.

•         Calculations use the total output of a system and the total electrical power used over an entire season.
COP
Coefficient Of Performance
•         Is the efficiency of a heat pump expressed in terms of heat energy moved for every unit of energy consumed.

•         Heat exchangers and compressors need to be matched for best performance.

•         Regulated by the Department of Energy (DOE).

•         Recommendations from the American Society for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).