The Department of Energy {DOE} set-up a system to measure central heating and air conditioning efficiency performance. Today, you can easily use this information to help you in your system selection.

Your actual savings will depend on the weather in your area, utility costs, the energy efficiency of your home and your preferences for indoor temperatures. However, generally, in areas with lots of HOT temperatures or above average electric costs, you can benefit from a higher SEER cooling unit. Likewise in areas with lots of COLD temperatures or above average fuel costs, you usually benefit from a higher AFUE gas furnace.

In practical terms, you can compare annual operating costs of two cooling systems just by knowing their efficiency ratings.