SEER & AFUE Ratings

What are "SEER" and "AFUE" ratings
and why are they important?

  • The efficiency of air conditioners is determined by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ("SEER") rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the product is and the greater the potential for savings on energy costs.
  • As shown below, for every $100 spent to cool your home with an 8 SEER air conditioner, an 18 SEER unit would cost approximately $39.
  • If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old, it most likely has a SEER rating of 10 or less.
  • Furnace operating efficiency is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or "AFUE." The higher the AFUE percentage the more efficiently the furnace operates and the less energy it costs to operate.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Rating to Cost Savings Comparison Chart*

seasonal energy efficienty ratio

AFUE Rating to Cost Savings Comparison for Every $100 Spent**

80% AFUE

80% AFUE

80% is used to heat your home; 20% escapes through the exhaust of your furnace.

93% AFUE

93% AFUE

93% is used to heat your home; 7% escapes through the exhaust of your furnace.

95% AFUE

95% AFUE

95% is used to heat your home; 5% escapes through the exhaust of your furnace.

96% AFUE

96% AFUE

96% is used to heat your home; 4% escapes through the exhaust of your furnace.