HVAC units have notoriously been referred to as energy hogs in the past, but our technology has evolved considerably in the past decade or so. Efficiency isn’t a luxury anymore, so ask yourself: is your current HVAC setup a thing of the past? Hunting for better energy efficiency from your HVAC system is a step in the right direction for reducing your environmental impact and your utility bills. While most condensers that boast higher efficiencies tend to run more expensive than their lower SEER counterparts, the money you conserve month after month makes up the difference. Considering how much you’ll save over the lifespan of your unit, the initial price is more than worth it. When you’re hot on the tail of an energy-efficient heating and cooling system to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, browsing our buying guide for energy-efficient HVAC systems will conserve energy for you and your home.
Efficiency Ratings Breakdown
Understanding how the HVAC world defines efficiency will help you find the best replacement for your home heating and cooling system. But. Ratings that are used to convey energy efficiency such as EER, SEER, and HSPF can be found on almost every condenser. Furnaces use a different rating system: AFUE.
High EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) Products
EER ratings are used for both air conditioners and heat pumps. In the simplest terms, EER ratings describe the relationship between the amount of conditioned air your unit produces and the amount of energy it uses. It’s easy to understand why a large number means a better rating: higher numbers mean either less power needed or better results for the same amount of energy.
If you’re looking to replace your central AC system, try out the Goodman Central AC & Furnace Split System.Coming in at 12.5 EER, this system specializes in handling extreme temperatures on either side of the spectrum. You don’t have to sacrifice efficiency for capability: obtaining the best of both heating and cooling can really be this simple.
High SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) Products
SEER ratings provide a slightly more advanced look at air conditioner and heat pump efficiency. With a little math wizardry, the SEER builds off your EER rating to show how efficient your system is during the period of highest cooling demand.
MrCool offers several Package Unit Heat Pumps to Central Split Systems that pack a punch with high SEER ratings and provide game changing climate control. These options are a step up from the standard system. To put this revolutionary technology into perspective, think back to the days of sod houses and temporary encampments. Compared to the natural temperature regulation tricks we used back then, the MrCool systems are a massive leap forward.
High HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) Products
Similar to EER, HSPF calculates efficiency by comparing supplied conditioned air and power consumption. Where they differ is the EER is a measurement of the cooling efficiency, whereas the HSPF determines heating efficiency.
Want to see an option in real time that fits this high-efficiency criteria? Look no further than the Atmosphera Ductless Heat Pump Mini Split by Daikin that soars well into Energy Star certification territory with a 10.7 HSPF2 rating. With a rating this high, you can rest assured that your home can stay efficient and comfortable without breaking the bank. Say goodbye to needing to huddle together for warmth—unless that's what you're aiming for. In that case, drop the thermostat a few degrees and enjoy the excuse to cuddle close (and a bit of energy savings as well)!
High AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) Products
The AFUE rating essentially explains how much of the fuel in your furnace is converted into heat. This would mean an AFUE rating of 80 would indicate that 80% of your fuel source is successfully transformed into heat for your home. The 2 Stage Gas Furnace from Goodman is a great example of a system that provides a great home advantage with impressive efficiency. It packs a whopping 96% AFUE rating, making the Goodman gas furnace a true master of the flames. Heating nowadays is easier than rubbing two sticks together, just flip on a Goodman gas furnace and enjoy the warmth.
It’s hard to know where to look when that many numbers are thrown at you, but just remember: the higher the rating, the better the efficiency. For additional industry-specific terms, check out our Glossary.
Energy Star: the Best of Energy Efficiency
Earning an Energy Star means the product in question adheres to stringent energy-saving regulations as outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Generally speaking, HVAC equipment must meet all applicable ratings from the following list to earn Energy Star certification:
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A SEER rating of 15 or higher
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An EER rating of 12.5 or higher
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An HSPF of 8.5 or higher
Why these numbers, what do they actually mean in a practical application? Choosing an Energy Star certified system means your unit will demand less electricity to provide your home the exact conditions you crave. Not only does this mean you’ll leave a smaller carbon footprint, but you’ll save money each month on the monthly utility bill.
Credits & Rebates: What They Are & Why You Want Them
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Credits are an incentive from the IRS to prioritize the environment. Energy-efficient home improvements can qualify you for tax credits to offset the cost
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Rebates are either discounts or delayed refunds that are dependent on the organization rather than the federal government to remove some upfront costs from upgrading
For more in-depth information, or to check if the system you’re looking at qualifies for any rebates, check out the Rebate Center and see how much you could be saving!
IWAE Favorites: Energy-Efficient HVAC Options
If you’re hunting down home climate control upgrades, here’s a rundown of some of our favorites on the market today!
Geothermal Heat Pump Package Units from GeoCool
Geothermal technology copies tried and true methods of temperature control. Some might even call these methods prehistoric, but that doesn’t mean they’re ineffective. When our ancestors roamed the land, places like caves were a great way to get a break from extreme weather outside in times of high heat and bitter cold. Geothermal systems rely on this same premise, the stability of underground temperatures, to provide your home with next level efficiency and year-round comfort.
GeoCool’s geothermal heat pump package units are the cream of the crop when it comes to energy efficiency, earning an unparalleled EER2 rating of 71. Flexible installation options guarantee a use-case that suits your home’s needs. Indoors, choose the orientation that best suits your space. Outside, you have options with open loops that use a natural water source alongside closed loop underground coils.
High-Efficiency Gas Furnaces from MrCool
Learning to harness fire was a game changer for early humanity, but we didn’t stop advancing there. Time has given us the means to use it more efficiently. These gas-burning furnaces from MrCool infuse modern technology with this ancient wisdom. That’s a win-win!
Between the compact construction and durable design, the MrCool Signature Gas Furnace is built with the versatility to accommodate multiple positions without any performance dips. Thanks to convertible options to utilize LP (liquid propane) rather than natural gas by integrating a propane conversion kit, you can have powerful performance without jumping through hoops.
DIY Heat Pump Mini Splits from MrCool
Some people prefer to take matters into their own hands. The do-it-yourself mentality is nothing new. In fact, it is the driving spirit behind humanity’s most important advances. With MrCool’s DIY split systems, you can follow in your forefathers’ footsteps by handling the setup process yourself without sacrificing top-tier efficiency.
Do-it-yourself HVAC systems are still a new concept for many, but MrCool has been putting power in the hands of homeowners for 5 generations of DIY systems. The DIY series from MrCool is an easy and fast install, filling your home with your ideal temperatures as quickly as you can finish the process. Boasting features that streamline your experience like leakage detection and the Follow Me function, MrCool makes consistent comfort effortless.
Hyper Heat Central Heat Pump Split Systems from MrCool
Historically, seasonal changes forced our ancestors to migrate between the poles and the equator. In the modern era, we don’t have to fight against Mother Nature in the same way, but that walk from the car to the front door can feel like quite a trek when the snow’s coming down. MrCool makes sure the discomfort stops there with their high-efficiency Hyper Heat line.
Sporting a modular design and multiposition installation, the MrCool Hyper Heat system is perfect for homes with central heating in regions that vary wildly by the season. Providing up to 100% output in extreme temperatures up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t feel the impact of fickle outdoor weather while inside.
Shop IWAE for Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment
HVAC technology has changed considerably since our earliest days, evolving from natural heating and cooling methods to the sophisticated home systems we use today. With IWAE, you can take over your home climate control without breaking the bank.
From Daikin to RunTru and standalone ACs to package units, IWAE is here to give you the perfect solution for your home’s HVAC needs. You don’t need to waste energy wading through product descriptions and comparisons: our team of customer service experts is more than happy to help. Want to ensure your hunt for efficient HVAC is a success? Give us a call or send over a message, tell us about your space, and we’ll collect all the best options for you. With a lineup so tailored to your needs, bringing home exactly what your family needs is easier than throwing a spear.
