-------
ENERGY STAR
AS MUCH AS HALF OF THE
ENERGY YOU USE GOES TO
COOL AND HEAT YOUR HOME
But paying to be comfortable does not have
to burn through your bank account. Find out
if you should consider a change this season
by reviewing the checklist on the next page.
-------
WHEN IS IT
TIME FOR A
CHANGE?
How do you know if it's time to replace your old cooling and heating
equipment or improve the performance of your overall system? It may
be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if:
> Your heat pump or air conditioner is
more than 10 years old. Consider replacing
with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment
that ' least 20 p ess energy
than new 'Is.
> Your furnace or boiler is more than
15 years old. Consi 'lacing with
NERGY STAR qualified f
would be 15 percent more efficient than
a convLMitmnal furnace. Or, if you have
boiler, consider n i with an ENERGY
STAR qualified 01
> Your equipment needs frequent repairs
and your energy bills are going up. Your
cooling and heating equipment may have
become less efficient
> Some of your rooms are too hot or cold.
Improper equipment operation, duct prob-
lems or inadequate insulation could he
cause.
> No one is home for long periods of the
day and you don't have a programmable
thermostat. Install an ENERGY STAR
qualified programmable thermostat or
have a professional contractor install one
< instruct you on its use to start saving
energy and money while you're away or
even sleeping.
> Your home has humidity problems.
Poor equipment operation, madequ
equipment, and leaky ductwork can
cause the air to be too dry in the
winter or too humid in the summer.
> Your home has excessive dust. Leaky
ducts can pull particles ami air in from
attics, crawlspaces and basements and
distribute them through the house. Having
your ducts sealed may I;
> Your cooling system is noisy. You
could have an undorsi/od duct sysi
or a problem with the indoor coil of your
cooling equipment.
> Your score on the ENERGY STAR Home
Energy Yardstick is below five. That
means you're using more energy at home
than most Americans and probably pay-
ing more than you need to on energy bills.
Get personalized recommendations to
improve your I Doling and
i system Find the Home Energy
Yardstick at www.energystar.gov.
Click on Home Improvement
p.05
-------
MAINTENANCE
Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs.
Keep your cooling and heating systems at peak performance by having a
contractor do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy once
summer and winter come, so it's best to check the cooling system in the
spring and the heating system in the fall. To remember, you might plan the
check-ups around the time changes in the spring and fall.
COOLING & HEATING
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Your contractor should complete the following each spring and fall:
> Check thermostat settings to
ensure the cooling and heating
system turns on and off at the
right temperatures.
> Tighten all electrical connections
and measure voltage and current on
motors. Faulty electrical connections
can cause unsafe operation of your
system and reduce the life of major
components.
> Lubricate all moving parts. Parts
that lack lubrication cause friction
in motors and increase the amount
of electricity you use.
> Check and inspect the condensate drain
in your central air conditioner, furnace
and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode),
If plugged, the drain can cause water
damage in the house, affect indoor
humidity levels, and breed bacteria.
> Check controls of the system to ensure
proper and safe operation. Check the
starting cycle of the equipment to assure
the system starts, operates, and shuts
off properly.
> Inspect, clean, or change air filters once
a month in your central air conditioner,
furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor
can show you how to do this yourself.
Depending on your system, your filter may
be found in the duct system versus the
cooling and heating equipment itself.
A dirty filter causes energy costs to be
greater than they should be and can
damage your equipment, leading to
early failures.
p.06
-------
• II
The following checklists outline additional steps
your contractor should follow when servicing either
your cooling or heating system;
CHECKLIST
CHECKLIST
> Clean evaporator and condenser air
conditioning coils before warm weather
starts. Dirty coils reduce the system's
ability to cool your home and cause the
system to run longer, costing you more
energy dollars and decreasing the life
of the equipment
> Check your central air conditioner's
refrigerant pressures and adjust charge
if necessary. Too much or too little
refrigerant charge can damage the
compressor, reducing the life of your
equipment and increasing costs.
> Clean and adjust blower components
to provide proper system airflow for
greater comfort levels. Proper airflow
over the coils to improve equipment
efficiency and reliability. Airflow problems
reduced your system's efficiency
by up to 15 percent.
> Check ail gas (or oil) connections,
gas pressure, burner combustion
and heat exchanger. Improperly
operating gas (or oil) connections
are a fire; hazard and can contribute
to health problems. A dirty burner
or cracked heat exchanger causes
improper burner operation. Either
can cau npment to operate
less safely and efficiently.
p.07
-------
ENERGY STAR
COOLING &
HEATING EQUIPMENT
REPLACE WITH EQUIPMENT THAT
HAS EARNED THE ENERGY STAR.
PROGRAMMABLE
THERMOSTATS
Using a programmable thermostat to consistently control your
home's temperature < - e you about $100 every year in energy
costs when used properly. Use the four pre-set temperature week-
day and weekend settings for your home depending on whether
you're at work, at home, or in bed at night.
Programmable thermostats that have earned the ENERGY STAR
provide you with more flexibility than standard models and unlike
older mechanical thermostats, contain no mercury. Just remember
to install your thermostat away from naturally cool or hot spots so
it can accurately read the temperature in the house.
BOILERS
A boiler heats your home by burning gas or fuel oil to heat water or
steam that circulates through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor
systems. Boilers do not use a duct system. A properly sized and
installed ENERGY STAR qualified boiler uses about 6 percent less
energy than a standard new boiler. Boilers that have earned the
ENERGY STAR have higher AFUE ratings. AFUE, the Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency, measures the heating efficiency of boilers.
How much energy you save will vary based on your use and climate,
with colder regions likely saving more. Features that improve boiler
efficiency include electronic ignition, which eliminates the need
to have the pilot light burning all the time, and technologies that
extract more heat from the same amount of fuel.
p.08
-------
;
FURNACES
Furnaces are the most commonly used residential heating system in
the United States, running most often on gas, but sometimes on fuel oil
or electricity, and deliver their heat through a duct system. One in four
furnaces in US homes today is more than 20 years old. ENERGY STAR
qualified furnaces use advanced technology to deliver 15 percent
higher efficiency than standard new furnaces available today.
HEAT PUMPS
Electric Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): Often used in moderate
climates, ASHPs use the difference between outdoor and indoor air
temperatures to cool and heat your home. ASHPs remove excess heat
from indoor air and release it outdoors. ENERGY STAR qualified ASHPs
use about 20 percent less energy than conventional models. They also
come with higher HSPF ratings. HSPF, the Heating Seasonal Performance
Factor, measures the heating efficiency of heat pumps
Geotherrnal Heat Pumps (GHPs): By using stable temperature
conditions in the ground, GHPs cool and heat your home. In addition
to providing much lower energy bills with 30 percent higher efficiency
than standard new models, ENERGY STAR qualified GHPs are quieter
and include water-heating capabilities. Although initially expensive,
they quickly pay back the homeowner with significant cost savings.
GHPs are most often installed in new homes and require a duct system.
Find out if a GHP might be right for your home.
CENTRAL AIR
CONDITIONERS
ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioner are 25 percent
more energy-efficient than today's standard equipment. Central
air conditioners that have earned the ENERGY STAR have a higher
SEER than standard models, SEER, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Ratio, measures energy efficiency The higher the SEER, the greater
the level of efficiency. Since sizing and proper installation of a
central air conditioning system are critical to energy efficiency
and home comfort, it is important to hire a qualified technician.
-------
ENERGY STAR
LAST YEAR, AMERICANS, WITH THE HELP OF ENERGY STAR,
SAVE ENOUGH ENERGY AT PEAK TIMES
-------
TO POWER TEN
MILLION HOUSEHOLDS.
-------
SIZING & INSTALLATION
When purchasing cooling and heating products, pay close
attention to several things: getting the right-sized equipment
for your home, getting a quality installation, getting the right
professional to work with you, and asking the right questions.
MAKE SURE YOUR UNIT IS PROPERLY SIZED.
WHEN IT COMES TO COOLING AND HEATING EQUIPMENT,
BIGGER ISNT ALWAYS BETTER.
With cooling and heating equipment, a larger-sized product is
intended to meet the needs of a larger area. However, if the
equipment is too large for your home, you will experience
increased costs and less comfort. Over-sized equipment will
operate in short run times or cycles, not allowing the unit to
reach efficient operation or deliver even temperatures
throughout the home.
Don't assume that the size of your new system will be the same
as your otd equipment. Changes, such as additions or insulation
improvements, may have been made to the house since the
original equipment was installed; or, the equipment may have
been too large from the start. Your contractor can calculate
the right size for your cooling and heating equipment by using
Manual J, or an equivalent calculation tool. Ask for it.
p.12
-------
GET A QUALITY INSTALLATION
ENSURE THAT YOUR CONTRACTOR FOLLOWS EACH
STEP BELOW WHEN INSTALLING YOUR NEW COOLING
AND HEATING EQUIPMENT.
CHECKLIST
CHECKLIST
> Repla> ndoor coil -quipm
;tdoor unit. You should
•latched set. An old coil will
woi! 'iitly with a new outdoor unit
> Check proper level of refrigerant
iflow through listers
that deliver cool air to your rooms. Confirm
that the level of refrigerant charge and
the airflow across the coils meets the
manufacturer's recommendation.
> Place the condensui in an area that
he protected from ram, snow
as recommended by the manufacturer. Use
er your outside equipment dn
the winter to protect it from snow and ice.
> Provide adequate room around the
equipment fui service and maintenance.
•st and verify proper airflow
(if a furnace or heat pun
> Verify your fu n boiler has been
tested for proper burner operation and
proper venting of flue gases. The vent
piping should be insp-
deterioration and rei r replaced
as necessary
> Provide adequate room around the
equipment for service and maintenance.
p.13
-------
TO PURCHASE AND HAVE NEW
EQUIPMENT INSTALLED, YOU WILL
NEED TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR,
The following sections will help you find the right contractor, get quality
and value from the contractor and your new equipment, and get a signed
agreement on the work to be done. Many of the following recommendations
also apply if you choose to work with a contractor on home improvements
such as home sealing or duct work.
1. HOW DO YOU FIND
THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR?
A reputable contractor should:
> Perform an on-site inspection of the job you want done and
provide a detailed bid in a timely manner.
> Demonstrate to you that they are (A) licensed as a legitimate
contractor in your area, recognized by your local municipality; and
(B) licensed and insured to repair or install cooling and heating
equipment (many states require this).
> Be able to provide their certification for refrigerant handling,
required since 1992.
> Have several years in business in your community.
> Provide examples of other quality installation work, with names
of customers that you can contact.
> Ask whether a contractor's service technicians are certified by
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) to professionally
install and service cooling and heating systems. For a list of
contractors that employ NATE-certified technicians in your
state, visit www.natex.org.
p.1,4
-------
2. GET QUALITY AND VALUE.
> Show you a layout of where the
equipment is going to be installed.
> Calculate the size of your new
equipment using Manual J, o;
equivalent calculation tool.
> Show calculations of savings for
installing high-efficiency, ENERGY
STAR qualified equipment.
> Explain the financial benefit of
your new equipment.
> Diagnose and repair your duct
system, if needed.
> Provide financing for the purchase,
if necessary.
> Explain the warranty on equipment
and parts and labor.
.SIGN AN AGREEMENT
BEFORE WORK BEGINS.
> List in detail all the work that is
being contracted.
> Specify all products by quantity,
e, model number, and energy
ratings.
> Provide manufacturer's warranty
and documents for products and
contractor installation warranty
information.
> Give the payment schedule.
> State the scheduled start and
completion date.
> Describe how disputes will be
resolved.
> State the contractor's liability
insurance and licenses if required.
> Outline paperwork and permits
needed for the project.
p.15
-------
E
-------
ENERGY STAR
HOME SEALING
RECOMMENDATIONS
1) Seal air leaks to reduce drafts and get the full performance out of insulation.
The biggest leaks are usually hidden in the attic and the basement. Caulk and
spray foam products can seal many of these holes. Always work to reduce air
leaks before installing insulation.
2) Add insulation to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient even during
periods of extreme temperatures. The most effective place to add insulation is
usually in the attic. The U.S. Department of Energy offers recommended insulation
levels for each part of the house in different climates. Visit www.energystar.gov
and click on Home Improvement to see home insulating recommendations.
3) Choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing or adding windows
to a home. Be sure to select windows that are rated for your climate zone.
Whether you seal your home yourself or have
a contractor seal and insulate your home, it
is important to have a professional perform a
Combustion Safety Test afterward to be sure
all your gas or oil burning appliances are
working properly.
Learn more about Home Sealing and your
home's envelope at www.energystar.gov.
Click on Home Improvement.
p.17
-------
Your new or existing cooling and heating equipment is only as good as
the system that carries its cooled or heated air. Central air conditioners,
heat pumps and forced air furnaces rely on a system of ducts to circulate
air throughout your home. To maintain comfort and good indoor air quality,
it is important to have the proper balance between the air being supplied
to each room and the air returning to your cooling and heating equipment.
Leaky ducts can cause an unbalanced system that wastes energy. Sealing
your ducts improves your system's ability to consistently cool and heat
every room in your home,
DUCT SEALING INCREASES THE EFFICIENCY OF
YOUR COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEM, POTENTIALLY
SAVING UP TO $140 EVERY YEAR.
Whether you're having new equipment installed or working to improve the
performance of your existing cooling and heating system, you should have
your duct system checked.
DUCT IMPROVEMENT
pjLJi CPI/1 H CT
LnltLKLIb I
To improve your ducts, make sure to have your contractor:
> Identify any leaks with
diagnostic equipment
> Seal your ducts with mastic,
metal-backed tape, or aerosol
sealant Duct tape should not be
used; it can not withstand high
temperatures and will not last.
> Test airflow after ducts
are sealed.
> Insulate your ducts where it counts
to keep the air at its desired temperature
as it moves through the system. The
contractor should use duct insulation
material rated at R-6 to insulate ducts
located in unconditioned spaces such
as the attic.
> Conduct a combustion safety test
after ducts are sealed to be sure all
gas or oil-burning appliances are
working properly.
p.18
-------
YOU CAN
MAKE A CHANGE
FOR THE BETTER
When you choose cooling and heating products
that carry the ENERGY STAR, you're creating a better
environment both inside and outside your home.
Remember to look for products that have earned the
ENERGY STAR, including lighting, appliances, home
office equipment, cooling and heating equipment,
and consumer electronics. Even new homes and
commercial buildings can earn the ENERGY STAR.
For more information, visit www.energystar.gov or
call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
p.19
-------
for more information
visit www.energystar.gov
or call 1.888.STAR.YES
(1.888.782.7937)
&EPA
UNITED Sw
Office of Air and Radiation
(6202J)
EPA 430-K-03-001
September 2003
Recycled/Recyclable - Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 50% Post-consumer Content)
-------