AFUE measures heating efficiency for furnaces and boilers (the percent of fuel turned into usable heat). SEER2 measures cooling efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps. HSPF measures a heat pump's heating efficiency. Higher numbers mean more comfort per dollar of energy.
Quick answer
- AFUE = furnace/boiler heating efficiency. 80% is mid-efficiency; 90%+ is high-efficiency (condensing).
- SEER2 = air conditioner / heat pump cooling efficiency. Higher SEER2 = lower summer running cost.
- HSPF = heat pump heating efficiency. Higher HSPF = more heat per unit of electricity.
- In Saskatoon's long winter, a higher AFUE pays back faster than it would in a mild climate.
Each rating in plain English
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) tells you what share of the gas your furnace or boiler turns into heat for your home. An 80% AFUE furnace sends 20% up the flue; a 96% unit wastes only 4%. SEER2 rates how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools over a season. HSPF rates how efficiently a heat pump heats. For all three, a higher number means lower running costs for the same comfort.
How much efficiency to buy in Saskatoon
Because our heating season is so long, every percentage point of AFUE runs for many more hours here than it would in a milder place — so the payback on a higher-efficiency furnace arrives faster. That said, the most efficient unit isn't automatically the right one: correct sizing, your home's insulation, and your budget all matter. We help you find the efficiency sweet spot and check it against whether the upgrade is worth it.
Common mistakes to avoid
Chasing the highest number blindly
A top-tier rating on an oversized or poorly installed system won't deliver its promised savings. Install quality and sizing matter as much as the sticker rating.
How TemperaturePro Saskatoon helps
- TemperaturePro Saskatoon shows you the honest efficiency trade-offs before you buy — no pressure to over-spec.
- We install across the efficiency range so the recommendation fits your home and budget.
- High-efficiency equipment may qualify for SaskEnergy rebates, which we help you claim.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 96% AFUE furnace worth it over an 80%?
In Saskatoon, often yes — our long heating season means the efficiency gain runs for many hours, so the payback is faster than in a milder climate. The exact math depends on your home and gas rates, and we'll show you real numbers rather than a generic claim.
What's the difference between SEER and SEER2?
SEER2 is the updated cooling-efficiency standard that uses more realistic testing conditions than the older SEER. When comparing equipment, compare SEER2 to SEER2 so you're matching apples to apples.
Written by Dustin Steeves, Operations Manager
Dustin Steeves leads operations at TemperaturePro Saskatoon and is the voice behind the company's homeowner education content — turning 15+ years of HVAC experience into plain-English answers for Saskatoon homeowners.
Technically reviewed by Aaron Decae, Senior HVAC Technician, Red Seal Certified · Last updated: June 24, 2026
Each guide is grounded in TemperaturePro Saskatoon's day-to-day service work across Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman, and the surrounding communities, and is updated as equipment, efficiency standards, SaskEnergy rebate programs, and local code considerations change.