What are efficiency ratings? Furnaces feature an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, measuring a gas furnace's efficiency to convert the fuel to energy. Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps feature Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating to measure the cooling efficiency. Heat pumps also are rated for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) to measure the heating efficiency. In all cases, the higher the rated number, the more efficient the product. Look for Energy Star® Products? The Energy Star program is a voluntary labeling program lead by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. Product literature with this label meet the ENERGY STAR requirements because the product features efficiency ratings beyond the standard rate. For the consumer, this could mean savings on monthly gas and electric utilities. When shopping for a new heating or cooling system, the current minimal efficiency ratings are 10 SEER for air conditioners and heat pumps, and 80% AFUE for gas furnaces. ENERGY STAR products are 12 SEER & higher for air conditioners and heat pumps; and 90% AFUE and higher for gas furnaces. You can calculate utility savings between the current minimal standard and higher efficiency products by going to the ENERGY STAR web site. You can even evaluate your energy usage. Before you go to the ENERGY STAR web site, download our Consumer Energy Savings Guide to help you gather the necessary data needed to calculate savings on an ENERGY STAR system, and your current system's energy performance. ENERGY STAR Web Site Tools Employ the "Goldielocks and The Three Bears" philosophy. The size (capacity) of the heating/cooling system should be just right. A system too large will cool the home too quick just to satisfy the thermostat setting, and will not remove enough moisture from the air. This will also cause the product to start and stop more, shortening the life of the equipment. If the size is too small, then the furnace will continually run in the winter; and in the summer, the air conditioner will do the same. A ton is not equivalent to 2000 lbs, in cooling. Don't worry, a three-ton air conditioner doesn't actually weigh three tons. One ton is the same as 12,000 British Thermal Units per Hour (BTUH). Gas furnaces are measured by BTUH input. A respectable, licensed HVAC contractor can help with the correct size. (See our tips on what to look for in a contractor).

ENERGY  STAR®  was created to help consumers easily identify products, homes, and buildings that save energy and money, and help protect the environment. As the government-backed, trusted symbol for energy efficiency, the ENERGY  STAR label identifies highly efficient products and designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings. With ENERGY  STAR, money isn't all you're saving -- you are also making a difference in protecting the environment. NORDYNE is proud to offer our customers products with the ENERGY  STAR label. For more information about products that qualify for ENERGY  STAR, visit www.energystar.gov.

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