Buying Guide: Heating and Air Conditioning

As the single largest energy user in your home, the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system is critical. Technological improvements of furnaces, central air conditioning, heat pumps and boilers have drastically improved within recent years, allowing you to significantly reduce heating and cooling energy usage.

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is the measure of energy efficiency for the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps. The SEER rating indicates the efficiency of the HVAC equipment in the conversion of electricity into cooling power. The higher the SEER rating means the greater the energy savings potential. The minimum government standard for SEER is 13, a 30% increase over prior standards.
• AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the measure of efficiency for the heating process of gas and oil-fired furnaces. The AFUE rating indicates the efficiency of the equipment in the conversion of fuel into heat. As an example, an AFUE rating of 90% translates into 90% of the fuel is being utilized to heat your home, while the remaining 10% is wasted. The minimum government standard for AFUE is 78%.
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the measure of energy efficiency for the heating mode of heat pumps. The HSPF rating indicates the efficiency of the equipment in the conversion of electricity into heating power. The higher the HSPF rating means the greater the energy savings potential. The minimum government standard for HSPF is 7.7.

If you need help choosing an energy-efficient heating and AC unit for your Maryland home, contact the HVAC professionals at BGE HOME today.

Finding the right heating system or air conditioner for your home can be a challenge without the help of a professional. While preparing to replace an existing or install a new heating and/or air conditioning system, there are numerous factors to consider.

• Type: The first step is determining the type of HVAC equipment you need, whether you need a heating system, such as a Furnace or Boiler; a cooling system, such as a Central Air Conditioner; or a heating and cooling system, such as a Heat Pump.
• Fuel Source: The primary heating and cooling fuel sources are electricity, natural gas, propane and oil. Equipment options and efficiency ratings will vary based upon fuel source. And, converting fuel types may provide additional savings, such as heating oil to natural gas or propane to electricity.
• Size: The proper sizing of a heating and air conditioning system is essential to achieve a comfortable home. If too large, the stress of short-cycling (too many starts and stops) can shorten the life of the equipment and increase energy usage. If too small, the equipment will run continuously and probably never meet your comfort demands. By having a room-by-room load calculation and heat loss-heat gain analysis performed, you will ensure proper sizing.
• Warranty: The availability of a manufacturer warranty, or dealer warranty, is often a valuable option that can provide parts and labor coverage in the case of equipment malfunctions. The peace-of-mind protection is invaluable in the case of equipment failure.
• Accessories: Optional heating and cooling system accessories can enhance comfort while creating a healthier indoor environment. Such options include: programmable thermostats, whole-house humidifiers, whole-house air cleaners, duct cleaning, and carbon monoxide detectors.

If you live in Maryland and you need help finding the right heating and cooling system for your home, schedule a service with BGE HOME today. We carry some of the best, energy-efficient heating and cooling products on the market, and we would love to help make your home more comfortable.