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Decoding EnergyGuide Labels

Ever wonder what those big yellow labels covered in numbers, measurements, and costs really mean? EnergyGuide labels can be a powerful source of information, alerting you to the yearly power usage of certain home appliances and HVAC systems, but they’re helpful only if you know how to truly understand the information 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 duration of their system’s service life.

All major home appliances must meet the Appliance Standards Program set in place by the U.S. 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 see on those bright yellow EnergyGuide labels, providing consumers with an educated estimate of how much annual energy the appliance or system uses, along with approximate operating costs.

What Information Does the EnergyGuide Label Display?

EnergyGuide labels present a wealth of information for consumers, allowing you to purchase HVAC systems and home appliances with the confidence that your investment will work efficiently for the duration of the equipment’s 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 label provides the following key information for consumers:

Unit specifications. The top right corner of the label tells you the model number, dimensions, and name of the manufacturer. The top left lists the equipment type and the main features.

Energy efficiency rating. This important information is located in the middle of the label and varies based on the equipment type. Central AC labels will display the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), while heat pumps list both the SEER and the unit’s heating seasonal performance (HSPF). Furnaces and boilers display the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. Just below 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 particular equipment can be installed.

Kilowatt-hour energy consumption. Many labels will provide an estimate of the kilowatt-hours a unit consumes annually. This allows you to approximate the unit’s yearly operating costs by multiplying this number by your suppliers’ energy rate.

Energy Star logo. If you see the Energy Star logo displayed on the bottom right of the EnergyGuide label, this means that the equipment is built with distinct features that will elevate energy efficiency by up to 15% over that of a comparative, basic model.

What Is the Ideal Efficiency for an HVAC System?

Now that you know how to read an EnergyGuide label, it’s time to put that knowledge to use in determining the most efficient HVAC system and operation for your home’s comfort needs. Energy efficiency essentially measures how well a system heats or cools a given place and the amount of electricity needed to do so.

AC Efficiency

The SEER rating equals the cooling output of your system divided by 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 can go as high as 22 SEER. Energy Star-qualified AC systems must have a SEER of at least 14. Upgrading your old AC system can save you significant energy costs. For example, if you upgrade from a SEER 9 to a SEER 14, you’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 first consider the heating system your home utilizes. If you have an air source heat pump, look for an Energy Star-qualified heat pump with a SEER of 14 or greater. Also take into consideration how efficiently your heat pump will work during the colder season. This is the time to consider the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which calculates the ratio of the total heat output during the heating season and divides it by the total energy consumed. Your best bet is to look for an Energy Star-qualified system that offers an HSPF of 8 or greater for maximum efficiency savings.

Furnaces use fuel to heat your home, and their efficiency is calculated a little differently. The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) measures the amount of heat delivered to your home compared to the fuel supplied to the furnace. Again, the higher the AFUE, the greater the system’s efficiency. Look for Energy Star-certified furnaces, which operate at an AFUE of 85-90% or greater.

What Should I Set My Thermostat To?

Having the most efficient HVAC system on the market does little to no good if you blast the AC at exorbitantly cold temperatures in the summer and set the heat to roasting in the winter. According to the Department of Energy, you can easily save as much as 10% on your heating and cooling by regulating your thermostat setting. They recommend keeping your home at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.

Invest in HVAC System Maintenance for Increased Energy Efficiency

You could have the most efficient HVAC system in the world, 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 peak performance ― and it will also alert you to any small repairs needed before they escalate into large and more expensive problems. If you’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 by signing up for our Penguin Plan. We’ll keep your entire home’s heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems in check so you never have to worry about expensive or sudden breakdowns!

Interested in learning more about replacing your Phoenix home’s outdated and inefficient HVAC system with an Energy Star-certified system? Give us a call at (480) 747-6800 or contact us online! Our team of industry-leading HVAC technicians is standing by to bring you the energy savings and comfort you need today!