Which statement correctly describes AFUE and SEER?

Which statement correctly describes AFUE and SEER?

• A. AFUE measures heating efficiency; SEER measures cooling efficiency.
• B. AFUE measures cooling efficiency; SEER measures heating efficiency.
• C. Both measure heating efficiency.
• D. Both measure cooling efficiency.

Answer: (A)

AFUE and SEER describe efficiency for different parts of the HVAC system. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and applies to furnaces and boilers. It shows how much of the fuel’s energy is converted into useful heat for the home; higher AFUE means less fuel wasted as losses. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and applies to air conditioners and heat pumps when cooling. It measures the total cooling output over a season relative to the electrical energy it uses; a higher SEER means more efficient cooling. So the statement that AFUE measures heating efficiency and SEER measures cooling efficiency is the correct one. AFUE doesn’t indicate cooling performance, and SEER doesn’t indicate heating performance.

AFUE and SEER describe efficiency for different parts of the HVAC system. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and applies to furnaces and boilers. It shows how much of the fuel’s energy is converted into useful heat for the home; higher AFUE means less fuel wasted as losses. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and applies to air conditioners and heat pumps when cooling. It measures the total cooling output over a season relative to the electrical energy it uses; a higher SEER means more efficient cooling.

So the statement that AFUE measures heating efficiency and SEER measures cooling efficiency is the correct one. AFUE doesn’t indicate cooling performance, and SEER doesn’t indicate heating performance.