The efficiency of Heating and Air-Conditioning systems are measured by the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) rating which rates energy use for different types and brands of equipment. SEER and EER ratings are very similar to automobile miles per gallon efficiency ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit-and the more money saved in energy costs. The majority of systems installed before 1992 are rated at 10 SEER or below their efficiency continues to drop with age.
This link to www.hvacopcost.com shows the tremendous energy savings of today’s energy efficient Heating and Air-Conditioning systems as compared to an old 8 SEER system. When all of the components of your heating and cooling system are properly combined in what is called a “matched system,” they work seamlessly together to deliver maximum performance at a minimal cost, examined air conditioning manufacturers’ efficiencies versus the actual efficiencies that resulted after installation and found that 90% of newly installed units exhibited some sort of energy-wasting, comfort-robbing problem, therefore it is very important to only work with a Contractor that utilizes the highest quality installation techniques and train professional installation specialists.
Additional significant Heating and Air-Conditioning industry comfort and energy related surveys1 also revealed the following installation problems:
Duct Leakage (93%)
- Poor indoor air quality due to leaks in return air plenums.
- Health and safety concerns related to air quality coming out of supply vents
- Drafts and uneven temperature due to duct leakage at plenum and unions.
- Above issue double air conditioning portion of the utility bill and reduce family comfort
Unit Oversizing (47%)
- Creates comfort issues due to short run times not allowing enough moisture removal
- Air in sunlit & shaded rooms not having ample time to mix via return air process
- Larger Equipment in smaller home typically noise concerns
Incorrect Refrigerant Charge (54%)
- Increased failure rate due over pressurization or poor lubrication from refrigerant oil
- Reduced moisture removal creates an uncomfortable home climate
- Equipment typically noisier due to poor lubrication from refrigerant oil
- Uneven temperature in rooms
- Could add as much as 17% to operating costs
Incorrect Air Flow (70%)
- Uneven air flow through system duct work creates uneven temperatures
- Uneven air flow creates poor moisture control
- Uneven air flow causes noisy grilles and registers
- Could add as much as 10% to operating costs
