Be sure to clean or replace filters of all equipment regularly. Clogged filters make appliances work harder, so they use more energy to do the same job. Check the efficiency ratings mandated by the Department of Energy when you shop for new equipment so you can make sure you're getting high-efficiency equipment. Ratings will be prominently displayed on the yellow hang tag required by law to be on each new unit sold. 3 - If your heating and air conditioning system is over 12 years old, consider replacement.
Newer units are much more efficient.
They also come with better warranties so no expensive repair bills to worry about. The higher the SEER the more efficient the unit. The colder the climate and the higher the local utility rates, the higher the AFUE you should get. A heat pump with a SEER of 12 or higher and an HSPF of at least 8 is considered high-efficiency. It basically tells you how much heat you get out of the unit compared to how much electricity you put into it.