EFFICIENCY RATINGS

UNDERSTANDING AND EXPLAINING ENERGY EFFICIENCY COMPARISONS

OVERVIEW Well before department of Energy (DOE) standards were established, heating and cooling efficiency ratings became an important issue. As manufacturers have competed for industry leadership, consumers have become more demanding in their expectations of energy-efficient products. As these consumers request more and more comparison information, the manufacturers who conduct ratings tests and HVAC contractors who install the equipment are ultimately held responsible for ensuring that the information is accurate. Unfortunately, cases have been reported which have the manufacturers and/or contractors have misinterpreted ratings information, calling into question the integrity of the industry as a whole. This integrity is critical for developing the long-term, trusting relationships that result in ongoing success. Our goal is to help you protect those relationships by giving you the information necessary to correctly interpret and explain HVAC efficiency ratings. In this paper, we will take a look at some of the most common rating procedures for HVAC products. Specifically, we will consider heating efficiency for gas furnaces (AFUE) and heat pumps (COP and HSPF); and cooling efficiency for split systems (EER and SEER). In addition, there is information about other efficiency issues relating to add-on products such as air cleaners, zoning controls and heat/energy recovery ventilators. Below are the definitions for each rating to be discussed further in the sections that follow.

HVAC efficiency ratings help consumers make informed decisions. Thats why its important for the heating and cooling dealer to understand the ratings and explain them correctly.

GAS FURNACE RATINGS

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

RATINGS AT A GLANCE*

Does not factor in electrical use; does include steady-state operation, cyclic operation, infiltration losses and seasonal heating days in the calculation. Heating output (Btu) annually Gas fuel input (Btu) annually. Does not account for infiltration losses; strictly a steady-state ratio of heat output vs. fuel input. This measure is no longer used due to its incomplete nature.

Combustion Efficiency

SPLIT SYSTEM RATINGS

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) Factors in seasonal use, temperature bin data, cyclic operation, frost/defrost degradation and supplemental heating; a measure of energy efficiency during heating mode. Total seasonal heating requirement (Btu) {Heat pump watts + Electric heat watts over entire season}. Does not include seasonal use or supplemental heating; strictly a measure of watts out vs. watts in for heat pump primary heating mode at steady-state conditions. Heat output (watts) Electricity input (watts). Includes seasonal use, cyclic operation and part-load factors. Seasonal cooling output (Btu) Seasonal electrical input (watts). Considers operation only at steady-state, maximum load conditions; does not consider partload or seasonal variations. Cooling output (Btu) Electrical input (watts).

Coefficient Of Performance (COP)

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

*All ratings are based on a hypothetical home and geographical location.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW

The most important thing to realize is that no matter what the rating, each measurement must be conducted in strict accordance with published test procedures. The definitions of AFUE, SEER, HSPF and others are not open to interpretation and should not be taken out of context. Each rating is prescribed by industry-recognized regulatory agencies based on very specific test conditions (ambient temperature, design heating factor, heating degree days, regional temperature bin data, etc.), and to state a rating based on any deviation from this strict set of conditions is unacceptable. For example, the certified and published HSPF for a split-system heat pump includes calculations based on Region 4 (Pittsburgh) climate data. Ratings based on other regions are only comparable to calculations based on the same climate data. In other words, a Region 3 HSPF rating is not an accurate or fair comparison to a Region 4 rating. Ideally, comparisons should be made based on weather data for your area and load calculations for the target structure. If this data is not available, use the standard published ratings for Region 4.
As these charts illustrate, climate data in one region can be drastically different than climate data for another. Make comparisons using certified ratings based on the same regional climate data when possible. Otherwise, refer to the standard published ratings for Region 4.

2400 2000

Weather Data: Indianapolis, Indiana

Bin Hours

1600 1200 800 400 0 -3

65
7 17 27 37 47 57 67 77 87 97

Bin Temperature (F)

2400 2000

Weather Data: Los Angeles, California

Bin Hours

1600 1200 800 400 0 -3

65
7 17 27 37 47 57 67 77 87 97

Bin Temperature (F)

4

GAS HEATING EFFICIENCY: AFUE

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings are used to compare gas furnaces on how much fuel gas is used in a year to generate a specific amount of heat. Tests and calculations are based on DOE rating procedures and are verified by the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA). The test standard encompasses more than 70 pages of test procedures and conditions that must be met throughout the rating process. These rules take into account everything from the grade of fuel used to jacket loss to the type of burners and draft equipment used. Specific temperatures and pressures must be maintained every step of the way, and measurements must be accurate within the most exacting tolerances. All in all, nearly 140 different factors must be calculated and computed in complex mathematical formulas to arrive at an AFUE rating. However, for our purposes, in its simplest form, AFUE equals: Heating output (Btu) annually fuel gas input (Btu) annually. Among others, calculations used to arrive at these final two values incorporate the following: On and off cycling as well as steady-state operation A specified number of heating degree days Input and output under well-defined load conditions Efficiencies at high and low speeds when variable-speed blower motors are used
The complex math used to calculate AFUE ratings can be summarized with this simple equation:

In other words, by its very definition, AFUE is an average efficiency based on all factors that affect furnace performance throughout an entire year. If the furnace provides multi-speed operation, the AFUE is calculated with weighting factors for operation at different speeds.

AFUE =

Annual heating output (Btu) Annual fuel gas input (Btu)

ANOTHER MEASURE OF GAS FURNACE EFFICIENCY: ELECTRICAL POWER CONSUMPTION

Consumers are mostly interested in energy efficiency as it translates to their monthly utility costs. Therefore, they need to understand that a furnace requires electricity as well as gas, and it is a combination of both energy sources that determines operating costs. Currently, there is no certified rating that allows a consumer to compare overall combined energy usage in the same way that he or she can compare one AFUE rating to another. However, in actual operation, this is the most meaningful comparison for consumers. Consumers dont understand that a fixed-speed condensing furnace may have a higher AFUE than a variable-speed model, but may cost more to operate because of the electrical expense. The difficulty in producing an accurate, meaningful energy cost rating stems from the widely varying fuel costs across the country. While it is possible to inform your customer of how much electrical input a particular unit requires, this only has meaning when added to how much gas is required. Adding the two together requires that we come up with a common denominatoroperating costs. This can be done from the worksheet in the front of the GAMA directory, but you must factor in local fuel costs. While it is possible to use national averages for fuel costs to come up with an arbitrary standard, if your customer is served by an electric utility whose rates are exceptionally high, the national average for electricity will mislead them in their decision-making. You can get a copy of the GAMA Directory at www.gamanet.org.

Total operating cost includes both gas and electricity usage. The complete formula can be found in the GAMA directory
CONSUMERS' DIRECTORY OF CERTIFIED EF FICIENCY RATINGS
for l Residential He at Water Heating ing and l Equipment

Annual Gas Usage x Local Cost

+
Annual Electricity Usage x Local Cost _______________________ Total Annual Operating Cost

Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

HEAT PUMP HEATING EFFICIENCY: HSPF

The ASHRAE/DOE test procedures to determine heating efficiency for heat pumps are used by the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute (ARI). Much like those for determining AFUE, these test procedures are very extensive and specific. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, HSPF, is basically a ratio of the total seasonal heating requirements (Btu), including supplemental electric heat, during its annual usage period for heating, divided by the total electric power consumption in watts during the same period. The calculations used to arrive at this number incorporate: Performance variations due to on-off cycling Lost heat from defrost operation Average annual fractional hours in temperature bins for regional climates Variations in capacity and electrical use that occur at these temperatures when the system operates at multiple speeds Some manufacturers and contractors also seem to be confusing matters by stating Coefficient of Performance (COP) ratings. By their very nature, COPs seem impressive, as they are always greater than 1.0. This implies that a heat pump is putting out a lot more heating capacity than it is using in electricity. Unlike electric resistance heatwhich produces one watt of heat output for each watt of electricity purchased from the electric utilitya heat pump uses a watt of electricity during the compression cycle, absorbing heat from the outside air and pumping it into the structure. So, while electric resistance heat achieves a COP of 1 (1 watt output divided by 1 watt input), a heat pump may furnish 3 watts of usable heat per 1 watt of electricity used, so it is 300% efficient, or has a COP of 3. However, a high COP only occurs during higher outdoor temperatures. As the outdoor temperature falls, the COP falls, because there is less heat to pull from the outside air. Most important, a COP rating does not factor in supplemental heat. While even at 0F, the typical heat pump will achieve COPs between 1 and 1.5, it does not keep the homeowners warm without the use of back-up heat. The HSPF takes into account the use of back-up heat to create a realistic rating that provides an accurate comparison considering the units use of supplemental heat in conditions at or below the balance point. Higher capacities may reduce the supplemental heat requirements, but this will be reflected only in the units HSPF, not in its COP .

Just as it is for furnaces, it is impossible to develop an HSPF rating for a multi-speed unit based solely on one of its speeds. By its very definition, HSPF includes weighted factors for operation at its various speeds. While a rating could be approximated at a specific speed, the number would be meaningless for efficiency comparisons, since in real life, the heat pump will not operate continuously at any single, given speed.

COOLING EFFICIENCY: EER AND SEER RATINGS

For both heat pumps and air conditioners, published cooling ratings are Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEERs). SEERs use data based on a full cooling season, whereas an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) uses only one specific set of conditions (operation at 95F outside temperature). Like HSPF, SEER also factors in operation at multiple operating speeds when applicable. A SEER rating includes factors for: Steady-state operation Cyclic operation Changes in input and/or output that occur during normal operation if the unit provides multi-speed operation Load conditions

OTHER SYSTEM INFLUENCES

As a wider array of products become marketed by HVAC companies, other ratings are also becoming important. A few of these are described briefly in the sections that follow. Airf low Though the old rule of thumb tells us that 400 CFM per ton of capacity is necessary to achieve optimum heating or cooling performance, this rule of thumb no longer holds true. This number originally came about as a way to compensate for installation variables such as duct sizing and configuration (which affects static pressure), as well as the floor plan. It allowed a fudge factor to ensure that the rooms furthest from the units fan received adequate heating or cooling. Today, however, our new FK fan coils and variable-speed gas furnaces can achieve optimum heating and cooling at airflows below 400 CFM per ton. This is possible because of ECM variable speed motor technology. By monitoring blower motor torque and speed at a given airflow, the motor automatically compensates for static pressure, using built-in software. Though you may rarely need to know this to explain to your customers it does become important as you evaluate HVAC equipment yourself. In some cases, these smart motors may help you be more competitive. Since you no longer have to oversize a unit to ensure latent performance, you may be able to quote a unit with nominal capacity that will still Particle Size in Microns Organisms Smoke Minerals
COAL DUST ANIMAL DANDER LINT INSECTICIDE DUST

provide optimum heating and coolingeven if the home has work or airflow restriction problems. Carriers exclusive Thermidistat Control and ComfortZone II systems enhance the comfort of heating and cooling systems by actively controlling humidity year round. Plus, by working with the variable speed blowers to remove excess humidity in the cooling season, consumers can be more comfortable at higher temperature settings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat higher during the summer saves energy. Air Cleaners The most troublesome part of air cleaner ratings is the understanding how particle size affects efficiency. Sometimes the benefits of an air cleaner are also misunderstood because a homeowner either assumes or is informed that an air cleaner can eliminate odors, too. While removing particles can sometimes reduce odors, as in the case of cigarette smoke or cooking grease (because there are particles suspended in the air), an air cleaner cannot eliminate odors caused by gases or the gases themselves. Mechanical air cleaners trap particles in some sort of mesh. The size of the holes in the mesh determine the size of particles that can be captured. While most mechanical filters do an adequate job on dust and pollen, because they are

An electronic air cleaner can remove the most troublesome contaminantsparticles too small to be effectively removed by mechanical air cleaners or furnace filters.

Air Cleaner Performance

100 10 5 2 1 0.5 0.1 0.01 0.001

Standard Filter
POLLEN

Good Mechanical Filter

BACTERIA

Full-Size Electronic Air Cleaner

VIRUSES

PLANT SPORES

COOKING SMOKE & GREASE TOBACCO SMOKE

HOUSEHOLD DUST

larger, most do not work efficiently on viruses or bacteria, which are much smaller. These can only be removed efficiently with an electronic air cleaner. An electronic air cleaner will filter out larger particles using a mesh filter, and smaller ones by applying an electrical charge to the air. This magnetizes particles, and they adhere to a metal collector plate. Refer to the chart on page 7 to understand how effectively different particle types are filtered by various air cleaner types. Heat Recovery Ventilators and Energy Recovery Ventilators Recent concerns over radon and carbon monoxide levels in homes has prompted a growing demand for HRVs and ERVs. Be sure to explain to your customers that ef ficiency ratings for these units are based on how well they capture and reuse heat in the circulated airnot how well they filter gases. Though most ERVs and HRVs incorporate some type of filtering system to eliminate particles from outside air, their primary purpose is to eliminate gases by exchanging inside air that contains these gases for outside air in which these gases are either non-existent or present in much lower concentrations. In the process, heat is transferred (remember, heat is transferred even in cooling). How well the heating energy is transferred determines the recovery efficiency. Zoning Systems
Programmable Thermostats and zoning enhance energy savings in home comfort systems much like a photoelectric sensor reduces electrical costs on a dusk-to-dawn lighting system.

they can measure room temperature and setpoint. Yet, zoning systems do increase overall energy efficiency of the system, by controlling operation times and heated/cooled areas. Explain to your customer that zoning enhances energy savings like a photoelectric sensor reduces electrical costs on a dusk-to-dawn lighting system. If you have an outdoor security light, it requires a bulb. If that bulb is a 60-watt bulb, it will require 60 watts of electricity for every hour of operation. The sensor doesnt make the bulb more efficient. It still uses 60 watts per hour whenever it is on. What it does do is change the amount of time that a bulb is on. Zoning can also save energy by playing a role simular to individual room light switches. When a room is in use, zoning will control how much heating or cooling needs to be added to suit a customers preferences and usage patterns. When the room is in use, heating or cooling can be shut off or reduced to that area the way a light switch lets a person turn off the lights in an unused room. System Efficiency Much like zoning, other parts of a total system affect overall performance. While these things are nearly impossible to compare because of how each part affects the others, system efficiency can be very important to a consumer. Regardless of ratings, these factors do affect their monthly heating and cooling costs. Proper coil matching and supplemental heat are just two examples of how overall system efficiency can be affected by the interaction among components.

To date, there is no published or certified rating system for zoning. Zoning controls have no efficiency of their own, beyond how accurately

Coil Matching To achieve optimum cooling capacity, the indoor coil must be properly matched to the outdoor unit. If a new heat pump is matched with an old existing coil, the coil would most likely be too small. This can result in overcharging the coil in the summer to maintain correct system pressure. The coil may not be able to absorb the heat necessary to keep suction pressures up, so coil freeze-up could occur. In the winter, the tendency would be to undercharge the system due to high pressures. This can cause excessive temperature rise and head pressures, which can negatively affect compressor reliability. It may also reduce efficiency as the high-pressure switch is repeatedly tripped or the thermal overload shuts the system down on milder days. Heat Pump Supplemental Heat In many areas of the country, supplemental heat must be available to keep homeowners comfortable when outdoor temperatures drop to around or below the balance point. Because electric resistance heat requires one watt of electrical input for each watt of heating output, a heat pump system that relies on a great deal of supplemental heat will be much less efficient. (This

makes proper sizing for low temperature conditions critical, since it will reduce the need for supplemental heat.) While the ratio of output to input will always be equal for any supplemental heating resistance heat system, some supplemental heating systems require less power because they can be activated in stages (produce less output and more even temperatures) according to heating demand. Refer to our literature on Smart Heat for more information.

Optimum cooling capacity is achieved when the indoor coil is properly matched to the outdoor unit.

CONCLUSION
The issues that surround HVAC equipment performance ratings are increasing everyday. Though pressure from competition may make it tempting to brush over an explanation or to take a rating out of its intended context, our best choice is to provide real answers. In doing so, we position ourselves as knowledgeable leaders of the industry and give consumers more reason to trust us. Ultimately, that trust will pay off in lifetime customers that come to count on you as the authority for all of their home comfort needs.

www.carrier.com
A member of the United Technologies Corporation family. Stock Symbol UTX.

Carrier Corporation 2001

838-779

Manufacturer reserves the right to discontinue, or change at any time, specifications or designs without notice or without incurring obligations.