Confused about how to find the most energy-smart heating and cooling products? Take a few minutes to learn about the energy efficiency ratings and how to read the equipment labels.
Annual fuel utilization efficiency
The energy efficiency of a forced-air furnace is measured by its AFUE - annual fuel utilization efficiency. This number calculates the percent of energy used that is returned to your home in the form of warm air.
For example, today's high-efficiency furnaces have an average AFUE of 93.2 - for every dollar you spend on heating energy, 93.2 percent is put back into your home as warmed air.
Furnaces manufactured 20 years ago had AFUE ratings of 60 percent or less. That means upgrading to a high-efficiency model can lower your heating bills by up to 40 percent!
The AFUE is printed on the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label [see below], along with other details about the heater's energy consumption.
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio
The energy efficiency of a central air conditioner is measured in a unit called SEER - seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The SEER is the cooling output divided by the power consumption, with climate and other variables factored in.
The higher the SEER, the better - a rating of 10 is considered the minimum for new systems. Your older system might have a SEER of 7 or 8 - or even less. The SEER will be listed prominently on the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide. |
