To understand the energy efficiency of any heating or air conditioning model first you need to understand SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. Basically, the higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit will be. The latest government standard requires a SEER rating of at least 10, but this is expected to be increased soon. Most heating and cooling experts recommend a SEER rating of at least 12 to help lower your energy costs. Models are available with SEER ratings as high as 19 currently.
It is estimated that a 12 SEER system will save 15 percent of the energy that would be used by a 10 SEER model, saving you money and justifying the higher up-front cost. Besides lowering your energy bills, a higher energy-efficient heat and cooling system also helps preserve the environment by causing less impact on natural resources.
Besides energy-efficiency there are several other considerations to keep in mind when choosing a new heating and cooling system for your home. A well-trained and certified heating and air conditioning technician can help you evaluate your home's needs and the options available. Trane is usually considered the leader in manufacturing heating and cooling systems and their website offers several tools to help you determine which type of system is best for you.
Some of the variables that determine your heating and cooling needs include the region or climate where you live and the size and construction of your home. One of the most common choices for a new heating and cooling system is what is called a split system, which includes both outdoor and indoor components. A split system is usually made up of an air conditioner and furnace or a heat pump and air handler. Other combinations include a heat pump and furnace or an air conditioner and air handler. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling but may not be powerful enough to warm homes in extreme climates. Also available are packaged systems where all components for both heating and cooling are together in one unit. The Trane website provides a calculator for determining what size unit you need. Size is determined by the number of square feet in the building, the number of stories, and the amount of insulation already in place, but you can get an estimate of the BTU's needed by dividing your square footage by 600 and multiplying that number by 12,000.
