Every property manager should understand 3 commercial HVAC ratings.
Managing properties is a big job, but the most important of all the duties and responsibilities is to ensure the comfort and well-being of tenants so that leases will be renewed and occupancy will be full.
No easy task if the HVAC system is old, ailing, or cantankerous!
Understanding HVAC ratings is essential for making informed decisions about system selection, maintenance, and upgrades. Here are three commercial HVAC ratings that every property manager should understand.
Commercial HVAC Rating #1 – EER: Energy Efficiency Ratio
Many people have heard of the SEER rating, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio in residential systems that run on electricity.
Commercial systems, however, are often more effectively evaluated with an EER rating.
An EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is similar to SEER, but it’s used particularly for room air conditioners and packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs). The EER represents the ratio of the cooling output (measured in BTUs) to the energy input (measured in watt-hours) at a specific outdoor temperature, typically 95°F.
Unlike SEER, which measures efficiency over a typical cooling season, EER provides a snapshot of how well the system performs under high ambient temperatures.
In our changing world, where daily temperatures are rising and heat waves are lasting for weeks and months, an EER is an effective rating, for sure. New Jersey may not be as hot as Texas, but it’s getting hotter every year!
(Did you know that the annual temperature of New Jersey has increased by 4 degrees since 1900, which is nearly twice the global average?)
A higher EER rating indicates better energy efficiency, as the system can deliver more cooling output with less energy consumption and lower operational costs.
#2 – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE):
AFUE is a crucial rating for evaluating the heating efficiency of boilers and furnaces.
This rating represents the percentage of energy converted into useful heat compared to the total energy consumed. A higher AFUE rating indicates a more efficient heating system.
For instance, a boiler with an AFUE rating of 90% converts 90% of the fuel it consumes into usable heat, while the remaining 10% is lost through exhaust gases. Older boilers and furnaces typically have lower AFUE ratings, which means they waste a higher percentage of fuel.
As a property manager, understanding the AFUE rating helps you assess the heating efficiency of your commercial HVAC system. In some cases, upgrading to a higher AFUE-rated boiler or furnace can lead to significant fuel savings over time. Additionally, high AFUE-rated systems might be eligible for energy-saving incentives and rebates.
#3 – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF):
The HSPF rating is specific to heat pumps and measures their heating efficiency. It represents the ratio of the heat output (in BTUs) to the electricity consumed (in watt-hours) over a typical heating season. A higher HSPF rating indicates a more efficient heat pump.
Heat pumps are rapidly becoming the equipment of choice because heat pumps work as both air conditioners and heaters and do not emit greenhouse gases. Heat pumps run on electricity, not fossil fuels.
Massachusetts is one of the leaders in promoting the heat pump, offering incentives on the installation of heat pumps so that the state can reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. More states may follow suit.
Heat pumps are an excellent choice for commercial buildings that require both heating and cooling, as they can provide both functions with a single system. The HSPF rating allows property managers to compare different heat pump models and determine which one is most suitable for their specific needs.
When evaluating HSPF ratings, it’s crucial to consider the climate of the building’s location. Heat pumps perform differently in various climates, and a model optimized for one region might not be as efficient in another. Consulting with Elite Heating and Air Conditioning professionals who understand regional climate considerations can help property managers make well-informed decisions.
Property managers can optimize their building’s performance
Investing in energy-efficient systems not only benefits the environment but also reduces operating costs and enhances tenant satisfaction.
Staying informed about the latest energy efficiency standards and technological advancements in the HVAC industry can help property managers stay ahead in optimizing their buildings’ performance.
Property managers who prioritize regular maintenance and system upgrades ensure that their HVAC systems operate at peak efficiency. Remember that Elite has Custom Commercial Care packages that provide necessary and affordable maintenance on your buildings’ HVAC systems. Each plan is customized specifically to the size, purpose, layout, and demands of your facility.
Every property manager should understand EER, AFUE, and HSPF commercial HVAC ratings.
Don’t worry.
While it’s great that you have a working knowledge of SEER, AFUE, and HSPF ratings, you don’t have to know everything.
Elite Heating and Air Conditioning is a leader in the region. We’ve got more than a quarter of a century in the commercial HVAC business, and we know how to make a property manager’s job easier by ensuring that your heating and air conditioning equipment is in top shape.
We know the lingo, the concepts, the acronyms, and the equipment. We know how important your HVAC system is to your success.
No excuses. Just results.
Call us at 856-489-8664.