Understanding the wealth of information found on an EnergyGuide label can make your decision-making easier when you’re choosing new HVAC equipment. These labels are specifically designed to help consumers do side-by-side comparisons of energy-consuming products like air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, and furnaces.
What’s mentioned on the label differs for each type of HVAC equipment, but here’s an overview of what you can expect to learn:
- Product details. On the upper left corner, you’ll find the type and key features of the unit. On the opposite corner is a list of product details such as the manufacturer name, model number, and capacity.
- Efficiency rating. The midsection of the label contains details on the equipment’s energy efficiency rating. If it’s an air conditioner label, you’ll find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), while the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is shown for heating equipment. Heat pump labels list the SEER and the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF).
- Efficiency range scale. Right below the rating detail you’ll find a linear scale that shows how the equipment’s efficiency compares to other units with similar features.
- Energy consumption. Beneath the rating scale you’ll see the equipment’s annual kilowatt hours of energy consumption. Multiplying this figure by your utility company’s rate lets you estimate yearly operating costs so you can compare different models.
- Energy Star logo. If you see this distinctive logo on the label’s bottom right corner, you’ll know that the equipment has met the Department of Energy’s Energy Star program criteria. These more efficient models offer energy savings of about 15 percent over comparable standard units.
While the EnergyGuide labels on HVAC equipment units provide valuable data that lets you compare similar models with less difficulty, it’s important to remember the figures listed are only estimates. Other factors play an equally important role in how well the equipment performs in your home, including proper installation, ductwork design and condition, and the insulation level and airtightness of the structure.
For more advice about using the EnergyGuide label to compare HVAC equipment models, contact the Lorain home comfort pros at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about EnergyGuide Label and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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