Energy ratings are a system of measurement used to gauge the efficiency of an appliance or fixture, such as a furnace. By seeking out systems with the best energy ratings, you can reduce the amount of energy wasted in your home. Here to explain more are the professionals from Independence, KY’s leading HVAC company, Independence Mechanical.

The U.S. Department of Energy governs energy efficiency for all heating and cooling units. This governance has a two-fold benefit: not only does it allow homeowners to save on fuel and electric bills, but it also ensures there is less energy wasted throughout the U.S. Minimal energy waste benefits the environment and helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprints.

Each appliance or system has a unique energy rating. Furnaces, for instance, have AFUE ratings, which stands for the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratio. This number refers to the amount of heat your furnace produces for every dollar of fuel used. Thus, higher AFUE ratings are preferable.

An AFUE rating of 78% is the minimum rating allowed for new gas furnaces, but high-efficiency systems can have an AFUE rating as high as 97%. Both heating and cooling units with ENERGY STAR labels signify high-efficiency labels backed by government approval and commonly use 20% to 30% less energy than required by law.

In addition to energy-efficient heating systems, HVAC companies can also set your home up with efficient cooling solutions. Both cooling systems and heat pumps have Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER), and similar to AFUE, the higher the SEER, the more fuel you’ll save. Like furnaces, you can specifically seek out air conditioning solutions and heat pumps with ENERGY STAR labels to guarantee the best available energy ratings.

If you’re seeking energy efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home, allow the professionals from Independence Mechanical to help. Their certified technicians specialize in installations and replacements of furnaces and AC units, and they’re also available for 24/7 emergency services. To receive an estimate, call the HVAC company at (859) 353-0410, or visit them online to learn more about the services available.