What Is the Most Efficient HVAC System and Why? 2024

According to researchers, the HVAC system takes up almost twelve percent of your overall energy bill in a year. So, in simple words, an HVAC system that utilizes less energy to get the same job done is known as an efficient HVAC system.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, a geothermal HVAC system is the most energy-efficient system which saves up to 70% on energy bills. Again, ductless mini-split systems are also efficient HVAC systems that consume 60% less energy than a ducted HVAC system.

This article explains in detail a commonly asked question “What is the most efficient HVAC system and why?”. Read the full post to get a clear answer.

What Is the Significance of HVAC Efficiency?

An efficient HVAC system brings significant benefits to both the property and the environment.

Reduced Electricity Bill: An energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy to create a comfortable environment. It can heat or cool a large home or, a building by consuming less power than an ordinary system. Less power consumption leads to a significant decrease in energy bills.
Temperature Control Features: An energy-efficient HVAC system is incorporated with an advanced temperature control feature that allows users to regulate the temperature inside the home according to their comfort level.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: This type of system uses less energy and thus helps in reducing your carbon footprint.
Increase Property Value: The installation of an energy-efficient HVAC system attracts more potential buyers and this increases the property value.

How to Measure the Efficiency of an HVAC System?

Some common metrics used to assess the efficiency of an HVAC system are explained below.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER):

The energy efficiency ratio (EER) value is defined as the ratio between the cooling output (in British Thermal Units or, BTUs) to the electrical input (in watts).

The EER value of an HVAC system is usually indicated on its labels or in its specifications. The higher the value of EER the more energy efficient the HVAC system is.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER):

The SEER value is expressed as the ratio between the cooling output in BTUs to the electrical input in kilowatt-hour throughout a cooling season. The SEER ratings use seasonal cooling conditions.

The more is the value of SEER value the more energy efficient the HVAC system is. This value is used to calculate the annual energy consumed by the system to keep the entire home or building air-conditioned.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HCPF):

HCPF value is used to express the efficiency of a heat pump in the entire heating season. HCPF value is calculated as the ratio between the heating output in BTUs to the electrical input in watt-hours.

As the temperature and humidity change throughout the year, the HSPF value represents the average efficiency of the HVAC system.

Energy Star Certification:

The Energy Star Certification is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). These organizations set some minimum standards to check the efficiency of various products including the HVAC system.

If the HVAC system meets or exceeds all the Energy Star Criteria and is awarded with an Energy Star label then the system is considered as an efficient HVAC system.

What Is the Most Efficient HVAC System and Why?

What Is the Most Energy Efficient HVAC System

Geothermal HVAC System

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Geo-Thermal HVAC System is one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies available. This system utilizes the earth’s natural heat to create a comfortable environment inside a home. Geothermal HVAC systems are used for heating, cooling, and water heating purposes.

In this technology, the earth’s surface performs as a heat sink that absorbs the extra heat of the indoor space during the summer and as a heat source that supplies extra heat into the indoor space during winter.

The Geothermal heat pump consists of a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the ground to the indoor space and vice versa. In summer it transfers heat from the indoor area to the ground and makes the space cooler and comfortable. Whereas, in winter it transfers the earth’s natural heat to the indoor space to make it warmer.

A geothermal HVAC system consumes almost 25% to 50% less energy than an air source heat pump system. The efficiency of these systems reaches 300% to 600% on the coldest of winter nights.

The installation of a Geothermal HVAC system is very expensive. This cost is approximately four to five times higher than the cost of any other type of HVAC system. However, these systems are highly energy efficient and the additional cost can be recovered within 5 to 10 years in energy savings. Furthermore, a geothermal HVAC system is eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.

A geothermal HVAC system is an environmentally friendly system that minimizes the greenhouse effects, global warming, and air pollution that are caused due to the burning of fossil fuels.

Geothermal HVAC System
EER	SEER	Energy Efficiency
13 to 18	30	300% – 600% (On the coldest of winter nights)

Ductless Mini Split HVAC System

A ductless mini split HVAC system is a type of air conditioning and heating system, that consists of separate wall-mounted blowers to deliver conditioned air in a specific room or, area.

This type of HVAC system does not contain any ductwork. A ductless mini split HVAC system has an outdoor unit integrated with a small wall-mounted unit which is placed inside the room or any specific area that needs to be cooled or heated.

These systems can deliver the desired temperature to a specific area of a home or, the whole space of a small home. The ductless mini-split systems are easy to operate and highly user-friendly. You just have to set the desired temperature value on the remote the system takes care of the rest. The maintenance of these systems is easy due to their simplistic designs.

A ductless mini-split system consumes 60% less energy than a ducted HVAC system for its operation. Its utility cost is significantly lower and the system is highly energy-efficient as it operates for smaller space. In the long run, it helps in saving a large amount of money on energy bills.

These systems are integrated with their variable speed compressors. So, the compressor uses only the required amount of energy and no more. Most of the ductless mini-split systems are incorporated with advanced technology and features, which makes them more efficient.

Ductless Mini Split HVAC System
EER	SEER
12.5	20 to 30

What Are the Factors to Consider While Purchasing an Efficient HVAC System?

Energy Efficiency Ratings:

It is very important to consider the energy efficiency ratings while purchasing an efficient HVAC system. The efficiency of an HVAC system is measured by EER, SEER, HCPF, and Energy Star certification. The higher the value of these efficiency ratings, the less is power consumed by the HVAC system and the less the electricity bills generated by these systems.

British Thermal Unit (BTU) Load:

While purchasing the HVAC system, always measure the BTU load of the home to select the perfect HVAC system. The BTU load measures the cooling and heating capacity needed to maintain the desired temperature of the room.

The BTU load energy unit is defined by the energy required to heat one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. The calculation of the BTU load of a home depends on some important factors like the square footage size of the home, number of windows, ceiling heights, etc.

Maintenance Requirement:

Always prefer to buy an HVAC system that requires less maintenance and is cost-effective.

Number of People:

If you are purchasing an HVAC system for a building, apartment, or commercial purpose, then first calculate the number of people living in that space. Number of people is directly related to the BTU load. A smaller capacity of the HVAC system is insufficient for an area with a larger number of people.

Advanced Features:

Select an HVAC system with advanced features so that you can regulate the temperature virtually from anywhere. You can easily operate these systems by using your smartphone or other smart devices. Some advanced HVAC systems are also integrated with sensors that automatically control the temperature based on the occupancy of the room and according to the climate in the outdoor environment. In the long run, these features help in saving energy bills.

Budget:

Often, highly efficient HVAC systems are costlier than ordinary ones. These type of HVAC systems saves more energy bills and are more durable. While purchasing an HVAC system do not go for the cheaper one as they are not always the best quality.

Conclusion

An energy-efficient HVAC system saves energy, helps in reducing electricity bills, improves comfort levels, and is environmentally friendly.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Geo-Thermal HVAC System is one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies available. It consumes almost 25% to 50% less energy than an air source heat pump system. Also, it can save up to 70% on energy bills.

Again, the ductless mini-split HVAC systems are also efficient. This type of HVAC system consumes 60% less energy than a ducted HVAC system for its operation. Its utility cost is significantly lower and these systems are incorporated with advanced features which saves a lot of energy.

While purchasing an HVAC system select one with higher EER, SEER, and HCPF values. In the long run, these HVAC systems save more on energy bills and have less harmful effects on the environment.

FAQs

What is a high-efficiency HVAC system?

A high-efficiency HVAC system uses less energy, lowers the electricity bill, enhances the comfort level in the home, and is environmentally friendly. It consumes less energy to generate the equivalent output. The EER, SEER, and HCPF ratings of these systems are higher than the ordinary HVAC systems. These systems use less electricity to maintain the desired temperature of a space and thus, they save more in energy bills.