How to Read Electricity Ac Unit Label
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Decoding EnergyGuide Labels
Always wonder what those large yellowish labels covered in numbers, measurements, and costs actually mean? EnergyGuide labels can be a powerful source of information, alerting you to the yearly ability usage of certain home appliances and HVAC systems, but they're helpful only if you know how to truly sympathize the data they convey. They are important to consider when shopping for a new home comfort system, as most people don't realize that energy costs are something they'll have to deal with for the elapsing of their organisation'south service life.
All major home appliances must meet the Appliance Standards Program prepare in place by the U.Southward. Department of Energy (DOE), and they also must all undergo rigorous testing to prove their overall energy efficiency. The results boil down to the information you lot run into on those bright xanthous EnergyGuide labels, providing consumers with an educated estimate of how much almanac energy the appliance or system uses, forth with approximate operating costs.
What Information Does the EnergyGuide Label Display?
EnergyGuide labels present a wealth of data for consumers, allowing you to buy HVAC systems and dwelling house appliances with the confidence that your investment will work efficiently for the duration of the equipment'south service life. However, all of this crucial information is useless if you don't understand what it means. Keeping in mind that all numbers displayed on the yellow EnergyGuide label are approximate estimates, the characterization provides the following key data for consumers:
Unit specifications. The top right corner of the label tells you lot the model number, dimensions, and proper name of the manufacturer. The top left lists the equipment type and the chief features.
Free energy efficiency rating. This important data is located in the center of the label and varies based on the equipment type. Fundamental AC labels will display the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), while heat pumps list both the SEER and the unit'due south heating seasonal performance (HSPF). Furnaces and boilers display the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. But beneath the rating is a linear scale that depicts how that specific model rates when compared to similar units.
Regional efficiency standards. Central AC and heat pump EnergyGuide labels display a map of the U.S. with a list of states where that item equipment can be installed.
Kilowatt-hour free energy consumption. Many labels will provide an gauge of the kilowatt-hours a unit consumes annually. This allows you to approximate the unit of measurement's yearly operating costs past multiplying this number by your suppliers' free energy charge per unit.
Energy Star logo. If yous see the Energy Star logo displayed on the lesser right of the EnergyGuide characterization, this means that the equipment is built with distinct features that volition drag energy efficiency by up to xv% over that of a comparative, basic model.
What Is the Ideal Efficiency for an HVAC Arrangement?
Now that you know how to read an EnergyGuide label, it'due south fourth dimension to put that noesis to apply in determining the near efficient HVAC organisation and operation for your domicile's comfort needs. Free energy efficiency essentially measures how well a organisation heats or cools a given place and the amount of electricity needed to do then.
Ac Efficiency
The SEER rating equals the cooling output of your system divided past its overall power consumption during the warm season. The important thing to remember is that the higher the SEER number, the more energy-efficient the system. Since 2006, the minimum SEER rating required for all air conditioners is 13, but it tin go equally high as 22 SEER. Energy Star-qualified Air conditioning systems must have a SEER of at least xiv. Upgrading your former AC organisation tin save you pregnant energy costs. For example, if you upgrade from a SEER 9 to a SEER 14, yous'll reduce your energy consumption by more than 35% (meaning your monthly bill would go from $100 to $75 per month).
Heating Efficiency
When it comes to getting the most out of your heating system, you must starting time consider the heating arrangement your home utilizes. If yous have an air source heat pump, look for an Energy Star-qualified heat pump with a SEER of fourteen or greater. As well accept into consideration how efficiently your oestrus pump will work during the colder season. This is the time to consider the heating seasonal operation gene (HSPF), which calculates the ratio of the total estrus output during the heating flavor and divides information technology by the total energy consumed. Your best bet is to expect for an Energy Star-qualified system that offers an HSPF of 8 or greater for maximum efficiency savings.
Furnaces utilize fuel to heat your home, and their efficiency is calculated a trivial differently. The almanac fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) measures the corporeality of heat delivered to your home compared to the fuel supplied to the furnace. Again, the higher the AFUE, the greater the system'due south efficiency. Wait for Energy Star-certified furnaces, which operate at an AFUE of 85-ninety% or greater.
What Should I Gear up My Thermostat To?
Having the most efficient HVAC system on the market does little to no skillful if y'all nail the AC at exorbitantly common cold temperatures in the summertime and ready the heat to roasting in the winter. According to the Department of Free energy, yous tin can easily relieve as much as x% on your heating and cooling past regulating your thermostat setting. They recommend keeping your home at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.
Invest in HVAC Organisation Maintenance for Increased Energy Efficiency
You could accept the nearly efficient HVAC organization in the earth, but if you neglect regular maintenance, you likely won't benefit from its maximum efficiency capabilities. Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your system operating at acme performance ― and it will also alert you lot to any small repairs needed before they escalate into big and more expensive problems. If y'all're interested in learning more about how to prolong your systems service life through annual maintenance, contact the professionals at Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical today – or better yet, join the Penguin Air family unit past signing upwards for our Penguin Plan. We'll keep your entire abode's heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems in cheque then you lot never take to worry about expensive or sudden breakdowns!
Interested in learning more about replacing your Phoenix domicile'southward outdated and inefficient HVAC organization with an Energy Star-certified system? Give us a phone call at (480) 747-6800 or contact us online! Our team of industry-leading HVAC technicians is standing past to bring you the free energy savings and comfort you need today!
Source: https://www.penguinair.com/blog/decode-energyguide/