I
heating and cooling
systems
US Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Energy
EPA 430-F-01-032 October 2001
-------
WHAT IS EN
ENERGY STAR is a label that identifies energy-efficient
products, such as heating and cooling equipment, which
meet guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE).
ENERGY STAR labeled products save energy and
money without sacrificing performance—one solution to
energy supply and cost concerns. ENERGY STAR also
ENERGY STAR LABELED HEAT
ENERGY STAR labeled heating and cooling equipment
can save 10-40 percent on heating and cooling bills and
may also improve the comfort level in your home.
AIR CONDITIONERS
Compared to conventional models, ENERGY STAR
labeled central air conditioners and room air conditioners
reduce energy waste by at least 20 and
10 percent, respectively. Replacing an old
central air conditioner with a new ENERGY
STAR labeled model saves about $50 per
year in electricity depending on climate and
the size of the unit you're replacing.
BOILERS
An ENERGY STAR labeled boiler with
technologies such as electric ignition and
sealed combustion can save about 10 percent on heating bills.
PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS
Automatically adjust your home's temperature setting to
help save energy when you're asleep or not at home.
Within a few years, programmable thermostats will pay
for themselves in energy saved by maintaining the
highest or lowest required temperatures for four to five
hours each day. rather than a full 24 hours.
To locate a store near you that carries ENERGY STAR
labeled heating and cooling equipment, use our store locator
at www.energystar.gov/consumer.You can even calculate
your savings by using the simple savings calculator. Just
select "find products," click on "heating and cooling." and
choose the item you are interested in.
-------
ERGY STAR9?
helps protect the environment by reducing air pollution
and global warming associated with energy production.
In addition to heating and cooling, more than 30 product
categories, including lighting, appliances, home office
equipment, and consumer electronics, feature the ENERGY
STAR label.
ING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT
AIR-SOURCE/GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS
Electric air-source heat pumps use the difference between
indoor and outdoor air temperatures to heat and cool
inside air, Geotherrnal heat pumps use the ground instead
of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning, and hot
water. ENERGY STAR labeled models use 15-30 percent
less energy than standard equipment.
FURNACES
Older furnaces cost more to operate per
year than new ENERGY STAR labeled
models, which are about 20 percent
more efficient.
CEILING FANS
ENERGY STAR labeled ceiling fans
operate 40 percent more efficiently than
conventional fans—resulting in 180 kWh or S15 per
year in electric bill savings.
VENTILATING FANS
ENERGY STAR labeled ventilating fans perform better, last
longer, and are typically less noisy than conventional
models because they use high-performance motors and
better components. Qualified fans consume on average
more than 65 percent less energy than conventional models.
For more information.
visit www.energystar.gov.
or call 1-888-STAR-YES
(1-888-782-7937).
Money Isn't All You're Saving
-------
VE M
Heating and cooling can account for nearly half the energy use in your home. Since these systems
generally last 10 years or more, it could be one of the biggest home investments you make. While
some ENERGY STAR labeled heating and cooling products may cost more initially, they can yield
annual returns of 10-40 percent in lower heating and cooling bills. Investing in energy-efficient systems
can also add value to your home. Prospective buyers pay attention to utility bills, and many are willing
to pay more for a home that costs less to heat and cool.
HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Residential heating and cooling systems often burn fossil fuels that contribute to a host of air pollution
problems, including smog, acid rain, and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our
homes, the less air pollution we generate. If just one household in ten bought ENERGY STAR heating
and cooling equipment, the change would keep more than 17 billion pounds of pollution out of our air
this year. Buying energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment is an easy way to make a difference.
-------
CHANGE TO ENERGY STAR LABELED
HEATING AND COOLING
To maximize the energy efficiency of your system,
follow these suggestions:
Beware of Oversizing—When replacing an
existing unit, don't assume your new unit should
be the same size—or based solely on your
home's square footage. Today's equipment is
more efficient, and your original system may
have been sized improperly. If your current unit
doesn't heat or cool adequately, it may be a system
or installation problem.
Ensure Proper Airflow and Refrigerant Charge—
Contractors should test for adequate airflow at
the indoor cot! and verify that the system has
been charged in accordance with manufacturer's
guidelines. Complete duct leakage repairs before
conducting tests.
Size, Seal, and Insulate Ducts—This can
increase your system's efficiency by as much as
20 percent. A properly installed duct system will
be quieter, more comfortable, and save up to
$140 annually. Sealing ducts helps heat and
cool your house evenly. It also protects against
equipment backdraft and reduces the circulation
of pollutants, such as mold, dust, and household
chemical fumes. A contractor can identify leaks
and fix them with a quality duct sealant such as
mastic, metal-backed tape, or aerosol-based sealing.
For information, visit www.energystar.gov/ducts.
Install Programmable Thermostats Properly—
Thermostats should be placed away from direct
sunlight, drafts, doorways, and windows for
optimal performance.
-------
ENERGY STAR HEATING AND
COOLING SYSTEM CHECKLIST
To make an educated decision when installing an ENERGY STAR labeled
heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system, follow this checklist.
_| Hiring a contractor. Use an experienced, licensed contractor who
has worker's compensation coverage as well as liability and property
insurance. Ask for a NATE-certified technician. To use NATE'S contractor
locator, visit www.natex.org. The contractor should also be certified to
handle refrigerant for cooling systems. Good contractors will provide
written contracts of all work to be done as well as warranties that
accompany the equipment.
J Purchasing an ENERGY STAR labeled HVAC system. Before
purchasing the system, ask the contractor to calculate the "size" of the
system using computer software or industry guidelines. Also, have the
contractor check the airflow. Proper sizing and airflow will make your
equipment more efficient and save you money. When deciding on an
ENERGY STAR labeled system, ask the contractor to estimate your
utility bill savings and costs. Although ENERGY STAR labeled equipment
may cost more initially, you will be rewarded with savings over the lifetime
of the equipment.
J Installing an ENERGY STAR labeled HVAC system. A certified
technician should:
• Install equipment in easily accessible areas for easy maintenance
• Inspect ducts for air leaks and incomplete connections. Use the ENERGY
STAR Duct Specification to determine your duct's performance
• Consider a house pressurization test to protect against combustion
gases from being pulled into your home
• Replace indoor and outdoor coils for maximum efficiency
J Maintaining an ENERGY STAR labeled HVAC system. Routine
maintenance, such as changing your air filters, will ensure that you
continue to receive your energy savings into the future. In addition,
professional routine maintenance will help
save you energy, as well as lengthen the "~
life of your system, protect your equipment's
warranty, prevent equipment failure, and / /
keep your home safe from unwanted ~&^*ffi$b~S
combustion gases. Money ism AH Yr...
------- |