According to the U.S. EPA, the average American household spends around $2,500 a year on energy bills, with almost half of this being on spent on heating and cooling costs.

Since there are a variety of different types of residential HVAC systems that will work for your home, savvy homeowners should learn a little about each option and its HVAC efficiency before deciding on a new HVAC system for your home. Here are some tips to help you choose the best and most efficient heating and cooling system for your Pennsylvania home.

How High Efficiency Heaters and High Efficiency AC Systems are Rated

Many of the new central heating and high efficiency AC systems use gas, since it is the most common heating fuel. The efficiency of a system is shown in its annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating, which is measured as a percentage.

A higher percentage indicates that the system is more efficient. The lowest legal efficiency percentage for a new gas furnace is 78 percent. An ultra high efficiency heater system today can achieve an amazing 97 percent efficiency. The minimum efficiency requirement in Pennsylvania is 80 percent.

Air conditioning efficiency is rated by SEER, which means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. As with heating systems, a higher SEER rating means higher HVAC efficiency. The state of Pennsylvania requires air conditioning systems to have a SEER ratio of 13 or higher. Some of the high efficiency cooling systems have a rating of 26 SEER, with some ultra high systems even higher.

Types of Residential HVAC Systems

There are three main types of HVAC systems:

• Standard Heating and Cooling Systems – If your home’s HVAC system is over 10 years old, it is considered to be a standard efficiency system. The standard HVAC system performed well in its peak; however, new technology has brought about more efficient systems.
• High Efficiency Heating and Cooling Systems - High efficiency heating and cooling systems outperform the standard systems due to advances in technology like variable compressors that offer optimal comfort for your home by turning on and off as little as possible.
• Ultrahigh Efficiency Heating and Cooling Systems – Above and beyond the high efficiency HVAC systems are the ultra high efficiency heating and cooling systems. These systems run on advanced technology that allows an outstanding 95% AFUE, which is the typical rating among new gas-powered furnaces now.

Upgrading to a higher efficiency HVAC system can lower your energy consumption by almost 30 percent. Depending on the system you choose, it could be even more!

High Efficiency Heating and Cooling System Cost

The higher the efficiency of the HVAC system, the higher the cost. Consumers can expect a furnace with a 90 percent AFUE raging to typically cost around $1,000 more than the same size system with an AFUE rating of 80 percent.

The higher cost of the ultra high efficiency heater and high efficiency heaters can often be recouped though, via lower energy bills over the years. This is especially true in climates like those in Pennsylvania with cold winters.

A good rule of thumb is to purchase a high efficiency or ultra high efficiency HVAC system if the system will provide a payback on the difference in investment in under 10 years, which will make it an excellent investment for your home.

PECO Rebates for High Efficiency HVAC Systems

PECO offers rebates, which make it more affordable to upgrade to new ENERGY STAR certified, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment. ENERGY STAR certified equipment can help to lower your energy use over the lifetime of the equipment, which saves you money on your energy bills for many years.

You also save money when you purchase a high efficiency or ultra high efficiency heating and cooling system because they cost less cost less to maintain and last longer, making it a savvy purchase and investment for your home.