Heating & Cooling 101

Heating and Cooling Efficiency Ratings Explained

In your quest to find the ideal heating or cooling system, you will encounter several important industry-standard efficiency ratings. The higher efficiency your product, the lower your long-term energy costs will be. And as always, the experts at Carl’s Air Conditioning can also help you choose the heating and cooling products that are right for you.

SEER

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) 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 13.0 to 21.

AFUE

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the standard measurement of efficiency for gas fired furnaces and boilers. 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. Carl’s offers a full line of furnaces and boilers 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.

HSPF

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) 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. Carl’s 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. If you live in a warm and/or humid climate, you will probably see the higher cost of a high efficiency air conditioner or heat pump paid back (through lower utility bills) in a few short years. Ask your sales consultant to help you determine about how long it would take you to recover the additional cost in energy savings. Of course, 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. 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.

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    Go the same route as many of your local friends and neighbors by making Carl's Air Conditioning & Plumbing your trusted HVAC contractor and plumber in the Greater Las Vegas area.

    Julie Vigil
    Julie Vigil
    Google Review

    20-plus year Carl’s A/C customer here. GREAT local, legacy company and have used them since we moved into our home in 2000. Gabriel and Rob were just here to do a seasonal service on our a/c and it’s humming along like a new unit once again. Great customer service and very professional. THANK YOU for a job well done! We’ll see you in 6 months.

    Cheryl Quinn
    Cheryl Quinn
    Google Review

    Jason came out on a service call today! He checked my two air conditioner units. He is a nice young man who took the time to talk to me and answer my questions. My air conditioner units have lasted a long time but are at the point they may need to be replaced soon.The air conditioner units were originally were put in by Carl's Air Conditioning in the late 90's. Thank you for your service all these years!

    Brenda Albright
    Brenda Albright
    Google Review

    We had an appointment for 12-2 so when Carl’s said our technician was going to be late by almost 2 hours we were expecting the worst, but when our technician Robert Cheney arrived we couldn’t have asked for anything better. He was courteous and very respectful of our house and property. He took pictures of the work he did, and explained everything to us thoroughly. we did not feel rushed or unimportant at any time! He also told us about a plan that we could become preferred customers. You have a great employee! We would definitely request Robert to do any of our service calls in the future!

    Nicholas Stevens
    Nicholas Stevens
    Google Review

    I have been using Carl's air for MANY years now- had technician Juston come out today and look over our unit. He was in the time frame and explained what was needed while making it easily understandable.
    Highly recommend Carl's!!

    S M
    S M
    Google Review

    It was my first time using Carls for my A/C. I live in Henderson and I was in panic mode because my a/c stopped working and it is starting to get hot outside and I have kids. The company sent Gabriel Santos out to my house and he was so friendly and knowledgeable. He made me feel very comfortable and explained everything to me. He made sure that my family was not without a/c. Wow you have a customer for life! Highly recommend!

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    Discover all Carl's Air Conditioning & Plumbing has to offer. Contact our locally based plumbing and HVAC company in the Greater Las Vegas area, to book your initial service visit at your earliest convenience.