Efficiency Ratings Explained

How ratings affect cost savings

In your mission to find the perfect Bryant comfort system for your family, you will come across several important industry-standard efficiency ratings. The higher efficiency your product, the lower your long-term energy costs will be. And as always, Morrison Incorporated is just a call away to help you choose the heating and cooling products that are right for you.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

AFUE is the standard measurement of efficiency for gas and oil-fired furnaces. Given in percentages, this number tells you how much of your fuel is used to heat your home and how much fuel is wasted. The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the efficiency. Bryant offers a full line of furnaces with AFUE ratings ranging from the minimum industry requirement of 78% to more than 96%.

Cost Savings: If you have an older furnace (with an AFUE of approximately 60%), you could save up to 40% on your heating bills by replacing it with a new high efficiency furnace! The cost to replace your old, inefficient furnace is paid back through lower utility bills.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

SEER is the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps is rated. The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency–and therefore greater energy savings. Today, U.S. regulatory agencies require all new products to have a 13.0 SEER rating or better. Bryant's full line of air conditioners offers SEER ratings of up to 20.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)

HSPF is the efficiency measurement used to gauge the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency and cost-savings. Today's models are required to have a 6.8 HSPF. Bryant offers heat pumps with HSPF ratings ranging from 6.8 to 9.5.

Cost Savings. : Higher efficiency in heat pumps and air conditioners usually means higher equipment cost but lower utility bills. Ask your experienced Morrison Incorporated Salesman to help you determine about how long it would take you to recover the additional cost in energy savings. Of course, long after the payback, you continue to save on your energy bills.

Matching Your System for Optimum Efficiency

One additional factor that affects the efficiency of your air conditioning or heat pump system is your indoor coil (also called an evaporator coil). If your condensing unit is not matched with the proper indoor coil, it may not give you the stated SEER and/or HSPF ratings and could even develop performance problems. When you replace an existing system, make sure you replace both units so your new condensing unit will give you optimal performance, efficiency and comfort.

Ken's Corner

Autumn is here and everyone is starting to change from life outdoors to concentrating on buttoning up for winter. Below are a few tips I would like to pass along to help you make the transition with ease.

1. Check the batteries in your smoke detector. A lot of people time this with the Daylight Savings time transition to make it easy to remember.

2. Check the manufactured date on your CO alarm. If it exceeds five years replace the alarm. They will not be effective if there is a problem. If you don't have a CO alarm PLEASE get at least one and follow the manufacturers guidelines for installation.
(In many cases local agencies and fire departments can help provide CO and smoke alarms. Call to see if there is a program that can help you.)

3. Check your furnace filters. Indoor air quality for the cold weather is only as good as the air you are recirculating. Please use a filter appropriate for your system and invest in one with one with the highest MERV rating possible to help keep you breathing freely.

4. Check your whole house humidifier pad. If you have a whole house humidifier you know how wonderful it is to not have dry static filled air, chapped skin, or damaged woodwork. Help keep you and your home comfortable by installing a new humidifier pad and making sure the system is operating properly. The humidifer will condition your home and help provide comfort but only if the pad is operating allowing the right amount of moisture to be maintained in your home.

Well, just a few quick tips to help. If you need any of your filters replaceed, or upgraded, whole house humidifiers, or a new filtration system, be sure to give us a call. If you are intereted in reducing your energy bills, or want to improve your indoor air quality, please contact us and ask about our IAQ products and energy audit programs. I'm sure we can help improve your comfort through the upcoming cold months.

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