What does SEER and AFUE mean?

SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.”  Basically, it tells you how efficiently it converts electricity to cooling comfort.  The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system.  By federal law all units must be a 13 SEER or higher.

AFUE stands for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.”  This rating tells you how much of your heating dollars are converted to heat energy put into your home and how much is lost up the flue pipe.  Most older furnaces are 60% efficient.  That means that for every dollar you spend for gas from your utility company $0.60 cents is used to heat your home and $0.40 cents goes up the chimney.  Federal law mandates that all furnaces being produced today be at least 80% efficient and many of our furnaces are 90% plus in efficiency.  Often times if you replace on old, energy-wasting furnace the savings on your utility bills will more than cover the cost of the new furnace.