Frequently Asked Questions

What is AFUE?
What is SEER?
What is HSPF?
What is system matching for optimum efficiency?
What does HVAC mean?

Efficiency Ratings Explained

What is AFUE?
AFUE is the standard measurement of efficiency for gas and oil-fired furnaces. Given in percentages, this number tells you how much of your fuel is used to heat your home and how much fuel is wasted. The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the efficiency. Burnsville Heating offers a full line of furnaces with AFUE ratings ranging from the minimum industry requirement of 78% to more than 95%.

Cost Savings: If you have an older furnace (with an AFUE of approximately 55-60%), you could save up to 40% on your heating bills by replacing it with a new high efficiency furnace! The cost to replace your old, inefficient furnace is paid back through lower utility bills.

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What is SEER?
SEER is the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps is rated. The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency–and therefore greater energy savings. Today, U.S. regulatory agencies require all newly manufactured products to have a 13.0 SEER rating or better. Our full line of air conditioners offer SEER ratings of up to 20.5.

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What is HSPF?
HSPF is the efficiency measurement used to gauge the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency and cost-savings. Today's models are required to have a 6.8 HSPF. Burnsville Heating offers heat pumps with HSPF ratings ranging from 6.8 to 9.5.

Cost Savings:
Higher efficiency in heat pumps and air conditioners usually means higher equipment cost but lower utility bills. Ask our comfort advisor to help you determine about how long it would take you to recover the additional cost in energy savings. Of course, long after the payback, you continue to save on your energy bills.

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What is system matching for optimum efficiency?
One additional factor that affects the efficiency of your air conditioning or heat pump system is your indoor coil (also called an evaporator or "A" coil). If your condensing unit is not matched with the proper indoor coil, it may not give you the stated SEER and/or HSPF ratings and could even develop performance problems. When you replace an existing system, make sure you replace both units so your new condensing unit will give you optimal performance, efficiency and comfort.

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HVAC

What does HVAC mean?
HVAC is in common use in the heating and cooling industry. It stands for "heating, ventilation and air conditioning," three functions often combined into one system in today's modern homes and buildings.

A central HVAC system is the most quiet and convenient way to cool and entire home.

The HVAC system in your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 44 percent of your utility budget goes for heating and cooling.

Like many other appliances, HVAC systems have improved in energy efficiency in the last decade. As a result, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your HVAC equipment.

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