Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning Explains HVAC Energy Ratings and Why They are Important

March 7, 2017 - Published by Scott's Air

When it comes time to replace a worn out HVAC system there are several factors to consider – brand, capacity, cost, type, etc. But, another important factor that should enter into the equation is HVAC Energy Ratings & efficiency. Energy-efficient heating and cooling products make a home more comfortable AND more affordable.

Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning, one of Central Florida’s leading AC companies, wants homeowners to better understand energy efficiency ratings and how these ratings can influence utility costs.

Below are the most common energy efficiency ratings and their acronyms:

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

Standard measurement of efficiency for the cooling process of ACs and heat pumps
The higher the number, the greater the efficiency
Minimum required SEER rating is 14
Bryant offers a full line of air conditioners with SEER ratings of up to 20

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

Standard measurement of efficiency for gas and oil-fired furnaces
Tells you how much of your fuel is used to heat your home and how much is wasted
The higher the rating, the greater the efficiency
Minimum required rating is 78%
Bryant offers a full line of furnaces with AFUE ratings of up to 96%
Cost Savings: If you have an older furnace, you could save considerably on your heating bill by upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)

Standard measurement of the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps
The higher the number, the greater the efficiency
Minimum required HSPF rating is 6.8
Bryant offers heat pumps with HSPF ratings from 6.8 to 9.5

Cost Savings: Upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners requires an initial investment, but you’ll quickly see payback in the form of lower, annual utility bills for the life of your system.

“An additional factor that affects the efficiency of your system is your indoor coil. In order to maximize SEER and HSPF ratings and ensure proper performance, your air conditioner or heat pump unit must be matched with the correct indoor coil,” said Scott, president and founder.

“There may come a time when you need a new system and our team is here to help you find the perfect system for your home. Our no pressure, no obligation quote will include all the elements needed to complete the job so you know exactly what you’re getting and exactly what it will cost – with no surprises.”

Scott's Air

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Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!

Tags: energy efficiency, energy evaluation, energy savings, heating and cooling

Categorised in: Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Thing You Should Know

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UPDATE 12/11/25-
Mr. Scott, the owner took the time to speak with me the day before to take ownership of the unfortunate event, and to rectify it, he personally came over to speak to me and issued a refund for the blower motor replacement to honor me being a customer and purchasing the unit from them in recent times. This speaks a lot about his integrity and customer centric approach. Even though I didn’t hear from them initially for a few months, this was a great gesture in difficult times, and I appreciate this, therefore updating my review.

STAY AWAY!!!

I purchased a new AC system from Scott’s Air & Heat in 2022 for approximately $7,000. Since then, I have already spent over $1,500 on repairs in 2 years. Despite the system having a 10-year parts warranty, I was charged $650 for labor alone to replace a blower motor—a repair that took about one hour to complete. Another reputable company quoted $500 total, including both parts and labor, for the same job.

Additionally, I was charged $258 for the same issue just a week prior, and when the problem recurred, the company billed me again instead of honoring their previous service. Attempts to reach the owner or manager for a resolution went unanswered.

Overall, I found their pricing to be excessive and their customer service severely lacking. I would not recommend this company based on my experience.

Response from the owner:Hi, Thank you for taking Scott's call today & allowing us to make this right. We're looking forward to meeting you tomorrow with the hopes of being able to earn your 5-star rating. We genuinely care for our customers and their families and want you to be 100% satisfied. Thank you again.

Robin Preucil

It’s been a long process, but Scott did call personally to make sure that our ac unit was working properly. They even upgraded to the correct size unit we needed after many repairs and issues. I appreciate the follow through and transparent communication! They will make sure to follow up and help when needed. Thank you Scott and team!!!!

Response from the owner:Hi Robin, Thank you so much for giving us an opportunity to make this right. We're happy to hear your system is running good now & we were able to turn your experience around. Thank you for trusting us with your home.

Karon Phillips

12/11/25

Same day update! I want to applaud Scott, the owner, for contacting me about my concerns regarding the labor charge for our last job. It was a disappointment that I had to have such an expensive charge on a relatively new unit. However, we talked about it, and he’s going to try to help. I appreciate any owner who listens to customers and wants to try to make things right. Thank you, Scott. I guess I don’t have to shop around for a new AC company for now.

12/11/25
Just to clarify. My response says that I’m frustrated to pay for labor for a warranty repair. I didn’t understand this was a warranty repair and I always am fine with paying for labor if a job is done. I believe my review explains my frustration with flat fees no matter how long the job takes.

10/8/25
Update today. The price that was quoted me was not only labor. They are charging flat fees for jobs. This is a change from the past with HVAC companies , but with more explanation and a little flexibility, I think we will stay with Scott’s for the time being. We’ll see how it goes. They still remain extremely responsive and professional and kind. This is worth something. They also come quickly when you have a problem.

This is a big change in my review for this company. Over the past five years things have changed. The company I used to trust I am now very skeptical of. They no longer charge labor by the hour so that you pay more for something that is more difficult and less for something that is less difficult. Just flat fees. And extremely high ones at that! Guess I’m looking for a new company now.

Response from the owner:Hi Karon, Thank you for trusting us with your home all these years. I can understand your frustration in having to pay labor for a warranty repair. The warranty from the manufacturer (not us) only covers the part itself. We value our customers and our community & want to make sure we take care of you and your home. We've left you a message & hope you'll return our call so we can make this right.

Mia Torres

Chelsie was absolutely amazing!! She was on time, super friendly and personable! She was knowledgeable and even took the time to explain the problem and solution with our ac. I highly recommend them to service your HVAC needs!