Residential Rebates - Definitions

EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) tells you how much energy the unit uses when temperatures reach a peak - dividing the amount of cooling when temperatures reach 95 degrees by the amount of energy used. In general, we recommend you look for EER ratings of 11.0 and above.

ENERGY STAR®
A government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency

Heat Pump
A heat pump provides the most efficient method of heating an all-electric home in any climate. A heat pump basically is an air conditioner with a reversible valve that allows it to operate in reverse, removing heat from your house and shunting it outdoors in the summer, and removing heat from outdoor air and shunting it into your house in the winter. Because heat pumps do not actually create heat (they just move it from one place to another), heat pumps are more efficient than other forms of electric heating.

HSPF
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor of your Heat Pump System. Your system must have a HSPF of at least 7.6 to qualify for a rebate.

NFRC Label
All manufactured windows installed in California homes must be certified and labeled with a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label which details performance information.

Package System
In a packaged central air conditioner, the evaporator (cool side), condenser (hot side), and compressor, are all located in one cabinet, which usually is placed on a roof or on a concrete slab next to the house's foundation.

R-Value
R-Value indicates the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating effectiveness.

SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures the amount of cooling for a season divided by the amount of energy used during that season to cool your home. We recommend a SEER ratings of 13.0 or above.

SHGC
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed, and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SHCG, the more efficient the material.

Split System
In a split-system central air conditioner, an outdoor metal cabinet contains the condenser (hot side) and compressor, and an indoor cabinet, typically located in the furnace, contains the evaporator (cool side).

TXV
A Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV) is a component in the refrigeration system that controls the rate of refrigerant flow into the evaporator. This is done by means of a temperature-sensing bulb that causes the valve to open or close in response to temperature changes in the evaporator. If there is too much or too little refrigerant the system will not be as efficient and my cause early equipment failure.

U-factor
A measure of the rate of non-solar heat loss or gain through a material or assembly. The lower the U-factor, the more efficient the material.