Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a system for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment. It is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity of a continuously operating air conditioner by the electric power input. The higher the SEER, the less your unit will cost to operate. The currently mandated minimum SEER is 10, although most consumers tend to purchase systems achieving efficiency ratings of 13 or higher.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). This measurement is similar to SEER, but it measures the efficiency of the heating portion of your heat pump. Like the SEER, HSPF industry minimums have risen in recent years. The current industry minimum is 6.80 HSPF.
Sound ratings - In recent years, HVAC equipment has not only become more energy efficient, it has become quieter. Although sound does not affect the efficiency of a unit, it can certainly affect your comfort. If your unit has a low sound level, you (and your neighbors) will hardly notice when it is operating.
db (Decibel) - A term to describe the relative loudness of a sound. Typically, heat pumps and air conditioners are between the sound of a human voice (70 db) and a blender (88 db).
Sound Rating Number (SRN). A way to measure how loudly a unit operates, based on ARI tests. Average sound ratings range from 74 to 80 decibels, or db. The lower the SRN rating, the quieter the unit. In recent years, HVAC equipment has not only become more energy efficient, it has become quieter. Although sound does not affect the efficiency of a unit, it can certainly affect your comfort. If your unit has a low sound level, you (and your neighbors) will hardly notice when it is operating. Typically, heat pumps and air conditioners are between the sound of a human voice (70 db) and a blender (88 db).
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