What does EF stand for in the context of heating systems?

In the context of heating systems, EF stands for Energy Factor. This term is a measure that represents the overall efficiency of a water heating system. It quantifies how effectively the system converts energy input into hot water output over time and takes into account cycling losses, standby losses, and recovery efficiency. A higher energy factor indicates a more efficient water heater.

Understanding energy factor is crucial when selecting heating systems, as it helps consumers and professionals identify models that will deliver the desired performance and energy savings. It's essential for building analysts to be familiar with this concept, as it directly impacts energy consumption and costs associated with heating in buildings.