How efficient thinking adds up to big savings.

Heating and cooling can account for more than half of your home’s total utility bill. So when looking for ways to cut your energy costs, be sure to think about a high-efficiency system. How do you know if a heating or cooling system is efficient? Take a look at the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label, which displays efficiency ratings for the product.

Heating Efficiency

Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. AFUE works a lot like the miles-per-gallon rating on your car—the higher the rating, the lower your fuel costs.

Cooling Efficiency

The measure for the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which compares cooling output to electrical consumption over a range of temperatures. The higher the SEER, the less the unit will cost to operate.

With as much as 60% of your yearly electricity costs going toward heating and cooling your home, it makes good sense to look for ways to reduce your usage.  A more efficient unit offers improved reliability, warranty protection and energy efficiency. In addition, it is less harmful to the environment because the refrigerant in newer units does not deplete the ozone.

Central Air Conditioning Units:

• Air conditioner energy efficiency is measured by SEERs (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). The higher the number, the more energy-efficiency the model.
• There is an EnerGuide rating for every central air conditioning model, not just the energy efficient ones.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol near the EnerGuide rating on qualified products. The ENERGY STAR symbol means that the product meets the highest energy efficiency levels. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioning systems are about 20 percent more efficient than standard models.
• Central air conditioners with the highest SEERs always use variable-speed or two-speed high-efficiency compressors.
• If your existing air conditioner needs replacement or is more than 10 years old, chances are good that it is also inefficient. A 10-year-old air conditioner probably has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) between 7.0 and 8.0. Newer, more energy-efficient models have a SEER rating of 14.5 and 15.

Furnaces:

• High-efficiency heating equipment can save you 15% or more on heating and cooling costs each year, depending on where you live and how much you pay for your energy source.
• Keep energy efficiency in mind as you make your home-heating decisions. Use the EnerGuide label to help compare energy consumption of various equipment or systems and purchase ENERGY STAR qualified,high-efficiency equipment – which must meet strict energy efficiency standards. Not only can your energy-efficient choice save you money, it may also result in the creation of fewer greenhouse gases (GHG).
• By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products, homeowners can use energy more efficiently, save money on energy costs, and help make their homes more comfortable without sacrificing the features, versatility or style that they expect from high-performing products.

Source: https://www.saveonenergy.ca/Consumer/Programs/HVAC-Rebates/Benefits---Environment.aspx