Energy-efficient-HVAC-systems

Understanding SEER, AFUE, and HSPF: Choosing Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

When replacing your heating or cooling system in Eastern Washington or Eastern Oregon, the “Efficiency Rating” is more than just a sticker on the unit; it’s a preview of your future utility bills. With our region’s extreme temperature swings, choosing the right parameters is the difference between a smart investment and overpaying for features you don’t need.

At Eclipse Heating and Cooling, we believe an informed homeowner is a happy one. Here is the breakdown of the ratings that matter and why energy-efficient HVAC systems are the best choice for the Northwest climate.

Whether you are looking for a high-efficiency AC unit installation to beat the summer heat or a reliable heating installation to withstand our snowy Northwest winters, understanding these ratings is the first step toward making a smart, long-term investment for your home.

Why HVAC Efficiency Is More Important Than Ever

Your HVAC system accounts for a large portion of your home’s energy use. Older systems often waste energy, cost more to operate, and don’t meet today’s efficiency standards.

Upgrading to a high-efficiency system can help you:

  • Lower monthly heating and cooling costs
  • Improve indoor comfort and temperature consistency
  • Reduce energy waste and environmental impact
  • Qualify for federal, state, and utility incentives
  • Increase system reliability and lifespan

Understanding efficiency ratings is the first step toward making a smart investment.

energy-efficient-Heat-pump
Energy Star-certified heat pumps consume 60% less energy than standard heat pumps.

1. SEER: The “Miles Per Gallon” of Cooling

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how much cooling a system puts out for every unit of electricity it consumes over a typical season.

  • How it’s calculated: It is the total cooling output (BTUs) divided by the total electric energy input (Watt-hours).
  • The “Higher is Better” Myth: While a 20 SEER unit is more efficient than a 14 SEER unit, it isn’t always the “better” choice. If your cooling season is short, the “payback period” for an ultra-high SEER unit might take longer than the lifespan of the equipment.
  • The Goal: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, modern standards ensure that even “base” models today are significantly more efficient than those installed a decade ago.

2. Variable-Speed Technology: The Climate Game Changer

Standard energy-efficient HVAC systems are often either “All On” or “All Off.” This is like driving a car that only goes 0 mph or 100 mph.

Variable-Speed (Inverter) systems change the game for Eastern Washington and Oregon:

  • Constant Comfort: They run at lower speeds to maintain temperature rather than blasting on and off.
  • Cold Climate Performance: In the freezing winters of Hermiston or Yakima, variable-speed heat pumps are essential. They extract heat from outside air even when temperatures drop toward zero, where older single-speed units would fail.
  • Lower Energy Waste: By avoiding the “start-stop” cycle, these systems reduce the energy spikes associated with compressor start-ups.

3. AFUE: Winter Efficiency

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) applies to furnaces and measures how efficiently fuel is converted into usable heat.

  • 80% AFUE: 80% of fuel becomes heat
  • 95% AFUE: Only 5% of energy is wasted

High-AFUE furnaces are a cornerstone of an energy-efficient HVAC system, especially during long heating seasons in Eastern Washington and Oregon.

energy-efficient-furnace
Energy-efficient furnace converts 90-98.5% of the fuel into heat.

4. What Is HSPF (and HSPF2)?

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures heating efficiency for heat pumps. Because we spend more time heating than cooling in our region, a high HSPF is often the most important factor for long-term savings.

  • Higher HSPF = more heat delivered per unit of energy
  • Modern heat pumps often exceed 8–10 HSPF

Like SEER2, HSPF2 reflects updated DOE testing standards, ensuring newer heat pumps meet stricter efficiency benchmarks.

The Role of ENERGY STAR® & Regulations

An ENERGY STAR® certified system has been third-party verified to exceed federal minimums. Installing energy-efficient HVAC systems with this label helps ensure you meet current DOE federal conservation standards, which are designed to reduce national energy consumption.

Incentives and Rebates in WA & OR

One of the biggest advantages of installing energy-efficient HVAC systems is the immediate reduction in “sticker price” through local and federal incentives.

  • Federal Tax Credits: Under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can claim up to 30% of the project cost (capped at $2,000 annually) for high-efficiency heat pumps. Learn more at EnergyStar.gov Tax Credits.
  • Oregon Incentives: If you live in Eastern Oregon, the Energy Trust of Oregon offers significant cash-back rebates for qualifying heat pumps and smart thermostats.
  • Washington Incentives: Residents in Eastern Washington can often find rebates through local PUDs, providers, DOE and Energy Sage resources

FAQs: Is a Higher Rating Always Worth It?

A: We help you calculate the Return on Investment (ROI). If a 25 SEER unit costs $5,000 more than a 17 SEER unit, but only saves you $15 a month during our short summers, it may not be the best use of your budget.

 A: Yes. Modern energy-efficient HVAC systems use low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly and compliant with the latest EPA regulations

A: No.  Existing systems can remain in use. However, when replacing equipment, new installations must meet current DOE efficiency standards.

A: Rebates depend on system type, efficiency rating, and location. Eclipse Heating and Cooling helps homeowners identify and apply for all available incentives.

Ready to Upgrade Your Home Comfort?

Don’t guess which rating you need. At Eclipse Heating and Cooling, we’ve served the Northwest for over a decade. We perform a full load calculation on your home to ensure you get the exact efficiency you need, done right the first time.

Contact Eclipse Heating and Cooling Today for a FREE Consultation]