When you're in the market to buy a heating and cooling replacement system, there is more to making a selection than what appears on the system's price tag. Whether the purchase is a HVAC replacement due to a breakdown or a larger system is needed to adequately accommodate the square footage of your home, you'll want to get your money's worth by choosing from high efficiency heating and cooling systems. 

SEER Ratio

While considering the manufacturer's available choices for good air conditioning systems as well as selecting a good heating system, one thing you will want to pay attention to is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) information listed on the EnergyGuide ticket that accompanies the system.

In short, the SEER ratio tells you how efficient the system will be when it comes to energy usage. This can result in significant monetary savings throughout the year as well as the lifespan of the system.

The Department of Energy has set the minimum SEER rating for new HVAC systems at 13. In southeastern states, the DOE raised the minimum standard to 14. Depending on the manufacturer, the maximum SEER rating can range from 21 to 26. The higher the SEER ratio, the more efficient the system will be.

Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute

Whether you are replacing an existing system or updating a home with a first-time installation, it is a significant investment. Like any other big-ticket item, it's expected that the system will perform to its listed specifications. Meaning, if the SEER rating is listed as 24, you expect the system to perform at the 24 SEER level, which means higher performance, better efficiency, and more energy/dollar savings can be expected. On the downside, if all the components of the system aren't working in sync, the system could actually be performing at less than its specified rating. This means a system rated at 16 SEER, for example, may only be performing at 14 SEER, or less.

To ensure the system you choose is performing at its stated SEER rating, you want it to be certified by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Companies that participate with the institute have had their products tested by AHRI to validate/verify that each product is performing to its specified standards. For example, if an AHRI certified system states 22 SEER, it has been certified that it operates at 22 SEER and not below.

You can buy a system from a manufacturer whose products are certified by AHRI with confidence. The institute has been recognition by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), NRCan (Natural Resources Canada, the CEC (California Energy Commission), and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which promotes the Energy Star program.

Another plus for purchasing from a participating manufacturer of the AHRI program is the potential for additional savings with available hvac rebates for AHRI certified products.

Final Check

To ensure you purchase the most energy efficient system for your home, consult with a HVAC contractor who will determine the size of the system needed to keep your home comfortable year-round. The next step is shopping for an efficient system that saves energy and money and has an AHRI certification that will enhance your investment.