Heating Services Decoded – Navigating the Options for Your Home

When it comes to purchasing a new home, buyers have many goals and requirements in mind. One of those requirements involves a system that provides comfort while minimizing energy costs.

The HVAC world is full of acronyms that can be confusing to the average consumer. This article will help decode the language of heating services so you can make the best decision for your home.

1. AFUE

Annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, is a standardized method for rating furnace energy efficiencies. It describes how much of your natural gas or propane actually becomes heat in your home, and how much escapes up the vent (and potentially into the surrounding atmosphere).

This is a different metric from SEER, which measures cooling efficiency, but it’s an important one to understand when shopping for heating equipment. AFUE ratings are displayed on the yellow EnergyGuide labels on all residential heating equipment.

The higher the AFUE, the better. But, AFUE doesn’t tell the whole efficiency story — proper professional heating system installation and regular professional maintenance are also essential. And, it’s important to note that AFUE only applies when your furnace is in heating mode.

2. EnergyGuide Labels

The yellow EnergyGuide labels on your appliances tell you how much electricity an appliance uses and make it easier to compare the energy use of similar models. Using less energy helps lower your utility bills and is good for the environment.

EnergyGuide labels are found on many home appliances and equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, clothes washers, dishwashers and room air conditioners. They list an estimated yearly energy use and operating cost, as well as a comparison bar, key product features and explanatory statements. AHRI has long opposed additional wide-ranging changes to the EnergyGuide label program because it believes that such changes would confuse consumers. AHRI also opposes requiring that manufacturers affix a physical label if they have no intention of displaying the product in showrooms.

3. SEER

The SEER rating weighs both upfront cost concerns and savings over the lifetime of a new air conditioner, making it a very important factor to consider when comparing units. A higher SEER rating means a system produces more cooling for each unit of electricity it consumes.

SEER is a ratio of an AC’s cooling output in BTUs per hour to its electrical energy input in Watt-Hours, measured over a testing period in a laboratory that simulates indoor and outdoor conditions. A high SEER number means the system is very efficient.

In 2023, SEER will be replaced by a more realistic testing standard called SEER2, which addresses issues like the impact of ductwork on external static pressure. It also takes into account regional climate data to better reflect energy efficiency in actual homes.

4. ENERGY STAR

You’ve seen the blue ENERGY STAR logo before, maybe on a furnace or maybe on a TV or a computer monitor. It’s a great program that backs energy efficient appliances and helps reduce energy costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The ENERGY STAR label is applied to products that meet certain performance standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and enforced through third-party certification.

The ENERGY STAR website is an incredible resource that puts energy efficiency into perspective for consumers. It offers tips on whole-home energy improvement and ways to save money on utilities and HVAC maintenance. It also offers a comprehensive list of ENERGY STAR certified products and projects for homeowners. The site compares each product’s efficiencies to help consumers choose the best options.

5. Annual Maintenance

Annual maintenance contracts are an important component of most service business models. They provide a way for providers to guarantee income over a 12-month period and help customers budget for ongoing maintenance costs.

AMC pricing structures vary depending on the complexity and scope of equipment covered, location, labor rates, parts availability rates, discounts based on payment history or renewal incentives, etc. These factors should be incorporated into any AMC pricing strategy in order to ensure the best customer experience and profitability.

AMCs allow businesses to create lasting connections with their clients and make yearly planning and budgeting much easier for both parties. They can also prevent misunderstandings and disagreements regarding invoice payments by clearly laying out terms and conditions. Providing AMCs is the best way to keep your business operating smoothly all year long.