Learning Center

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) determines how energy efficient an air conditioner is per season/region. While EER is a better rating for smaller units, SEER rates larger appliances such as central air conditioning units. The more cool (or hot) air the system puts out for each unit of energy consumed, the higher the rating it will receive due to its energy efficiency. SEER is measured as the seasonal BTU output of cooling divided by the seasonal watt-hours used.

According to the government, the lowest SEER score is 13; to qualify as an ENERGY STAR product, the unit must be ranked at a minimum of 14. It is more logical for someone in a warmer climate, such as Florida, to invest in a high SEER air conditioner.

Florida Air Service carries units ranging from a 14 SEER rating to a 21 SEER rating, with top manufacturers like RHEEM, American Standard, Ameristar, Carrier, and Goodman.

The Water Cooled system provides consumers with key information when shopping for an air conditioner. Water Cooled rates HVAC units on how efficiently they cool indoor air. To determine this rating, an air conditioning unit's British thermal units (BTU) are divided by its wattage.

When determining which Water Cooled is right for you, it's important to take into account where the air conditioner will be installed. For example, an office might run the air conditioning unit more than a home.

Florida Air Service provides air conditioning units from leading manufacturers. We provide anywhere from 12 Water Cooled to 18 Water Cooled units, including Bosch, Florida Heat Pump, and Cold Flo.

The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating measures the efficiency of a heating system's seasonal performance, taking into account climate based on the region. It is similar to a centralized air conditioner's SEER rating.

Heat pumps are common in warm climates, like South Florida, since they provide both heating and cooling. A heat pump's HSPF is determined by the total heat pump useful heating output during its normal seasonal use, divided by the total electrical power input. The higher a heat pump's HSPF, the more efficient it is. The most efficient heat pumps have an HSPF of between 8 and 10.

Florida Air Service carries heat pumps ranging from 13 SEER to 20 SEER, with manufacturers like Amana, Trane, and Goodman.

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures the efficiency of thermal appliances such as furnaces, boilers, and water heaters. AFUE measures how efficiently an appliance converts energy from fuel to heat — expressed as a percentage. If your furnace has an 80% AFUE, that means 80% of the energy turned into heat and the remaining 20% escaped.

Low-efficiency heating systems range from 56% to 70% AFUE. Mid-efficiency systems fall within 80%–83%, and high-efficiency systems go from 90% to 98.5% AFUE.

Buying the right sized air conditioning unit will determine how efficiently your space is cooled. It's important to take into consideration climate zone, the square footage of your space, how much sun pours in, and the quality of the room's insulation.

Do not be misled into thinking the bigger the size of your air conditioner, the faster it will cool your space. The amount of square feet that needs to be cooled is relevant to the cooling capacity needed which is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. A Florida Air Service technician can help you measure and identify the sizing that is best for your home.

Air conditioning units that are awarded ENERGY STAR status meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By installing a unit recognized by ENERGY STAR, you will simultaneously help our environment and save money. ENERGY STAR units use on average 15% less energy than is required by federal standards.

SEER, which determines how energy efficient an air conditioning is per season/region, should also be taken into consideration when looking at energy efficiency.

Air conditioning filters help keep the air you breathe clean by eliminating dust and allergens. The HVAC industry developed the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating to help consumers compare the quality of different filters.

Fiberglass filters are most commonly used because of their inexpensive price point. Pleated filters cover a greater surface area and are slightly more expensive. Electrostatic filters use electricity to trap particles — they are permanent and up to 10 times more efficient than disposable filters. HEPA filters are the most efficient, removing up to 99.97% of particles greater than 0.3 micrometers.

An average air conditioning unit's lifespan is about 15 years, with some newer models lasting up to 18 years. In order for your unit to stay in working order as long as possible, there are many factors that come into play. If you are installing a new AC unit, the quality of the installation will directly impact your new unit's lifespan.

With the tropical climate we have in South Florida, most air conditioning units run year round which causes them to exude more energy and requires more upkeep.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) determines how energy efficient an air conditioner is per season/region. Buying an air conditioner with the highest SEER rating does not mean it will be the most efficient for your home — you must take into account the size of your space.

The lowest acceptable SEER score according to the government is 13, but to qualify as an ENERGY STAR product, the unit must be ranked as a minimum of 14 and maximum of 27.2. For example, if you currently have a unit with a 7 rating and you upgrade to a 16 SEER rating, you can reduce your electricity usage by about 60%.

An air conditioner's capacity is measured in tons, but this measure doesn't refer to its weight. In this case, a ton is a number that represents how much heat a unit can remove in an hour.

Air conditioners that are 1.5 tons can cool off a space that is 600–900 sq ft. Units that are 2 tons can cool off 901–1,200 sq ft. Units that are 2.5 tons can cool off 1,201–1,500 sq ft. This pattern continues up to units of 5 tons that cool off 2,401–3,000 sq ft, with every half ton increase adding about an additional 300 sq ft.

If your air conditioning unit has broken down and you notice it's not as agile as it once was, contemplating AC repair vs. replacement is something that usually occurs.

If your HVAC unit is less than 10 years old, repairs will likely make the most financial sense. If the replacement vs. repair cost is less than half of its value, a repair may be the way to go. According to the "5,000 rule": multiply the age of your equipment by the repair cost — if it exceeds $5,000, replace the unit; if less, repair it.

Replacing your air conditioning unit can decrease your energy costs by 50%, improve air quality, and increase comfort.