For more information
visit www.energystar.gov
or call 1.888.STAR.YES
(1.888.782.7937)
Office of Air and Radiation
(6202J)
EPA430-K-05-004
May 2005
\
A Guide to Energy-Efficient
Heating and Cooling
*J *->
ecyclable - Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 50% Post-consumer Content
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ASK ABOUT
ENERGY STAR
You can
make a change
for the better
The average home spends about $1,500 annually on
energy bills. Heating and cooling accounts for as much as
half of a home's energy use. The EPA provides important
recommendations for energy-efficient equipment, including
proper sizing, quality installation and maintenance, and
other home improvement considerations to help you get the
most out of the heating and cooling products you purchase,
save energy, and save as much as 20% annually on your
total energy costs.
Whetheryou're replacing heating and cooling equipment
in your home or planning the installation of equipment in a
new home, choosing ENERGY STAR® qualified products
can help keep your home comfortable year-round and
contribute to a cleaner environment.
ENERGY STAR qualified products prevent greenhouse gas
emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Contents
4-When is it Time for a Change?
Review the checklist to find out what
improvements your home and heating
and cooling system may need.
6 - Maintaining Your Equipment
Learn how preventative maintenance helps
keep your heating and cooling system at
peak performance.
8 - Improving Your Home's Comfort
with Home Sealing
Get recommendations to increase your comfort
and save energy.
10- Sealing Your Ducts
Improve your home's duct system to increase
your heating and cooling system's overall
performance and efficiency.
12-Working with a Heating and
Cooling Contractor
Choose the right contractor and know what to
expect from them.
14- Choosing the Right Equipment
Know what to look for to get the most energy-
efficient heating and cooling equipment.
16-Getting Properly Sized
Equipment and a Quality Installation
Get equipment that is the right size for your home
and make sure your contractor follows proper
installation procedures.
Use this guide to help you:
1. Learn how to maintain your heating and cooling
equipment and increase system performance to save
energy and money while providing a more comfortable,
healthy home for you and your family.
2. Decide when it's time to replace your old heating and
cooling equipment with more energy-efficient equipment.
For more information, visit www.energystar.gov or call
1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
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When is it Time
for a Change?
As much as half of your household energy use goes to
heating and cooling. With a few simple steps to properly
seal and insulate your home, and energy-efficient heating
and cooling equipment, you can stay comfortable and save
on your energy bills at the same time. Review the checklist
on the next page to decide whether you should consider
sealing air leaks, adding insulation, replacing your old
heating and cooling system, or improving the performance
of your existing system. Once you've decided on what
changes need to be made, visit page 12 "Working with a
Heating and Cooling Contractor" for tips on selecting the
right contractor to perform the services you need.
You may want to consider making a change if:
Some of your rooms are too hot or cold. Duct problems, inadequate air sealing or
insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficientyour heating and cooling
system is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated against air leakage, you
will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work harder. Learn more on
page 8, "Improving your Home's Comfort with Home Sealing."
Your home has humidity problems and/or excessive dust. Poorly operating or
improperly sized equipment could be to blame. Leaky ductwork can also cause
these problems, so having it sealed may be a solution. Monthly maintenance of
your heating and cooling equipment's filters may also help. See page 16, "Getting
Properly Sized Equipment and a Quality Installation," page 10, "Sealing Your Ducts"
or page 6, "Maintaining Your Equipment."
Your cooling system is noisy. Your duct system could be improperly sized or there
may be a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment. See page 10,
"Sealing Your Ducts" or page 6, "Maintaining Your Equipment."
Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating and
cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient. See page 6,
"Maintaining Your Equipment" or page 14, "Choosing the Right Equipment."
Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 12 years old. Consider replacing it
with newer, more efficient equipment. And remember, high efficiency levels begin
with ENERGY STAR. See page 14, "Choosing the Right Equipment."
Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old. Consider replacing with ENERGY
STAR qualified equipment. ENERGY STAR has set high efficiency guidelines for both
furnaces and boilers. See page 14, "Choosing the Right Equipment."
You leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature. You could be missing a
great energy-saving opportunity. A programmable thermostat adjusts your home's
temperature at times when you're regularly away or sleeping. See page 14,
"Choosing the Right Equipment- Programmable Thermostats."
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 paying more
than you need to on energy bills. Get personalized recommendations to improve your
home and/or heating and cooling system. Find the Home Energy Yardstick at
www.energystar.gov. Click on Home Energy Analysis.
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Maintaining
Your Equipment
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Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system
failure. One of the most important steps you can take to prevent future
problems and unwanted costs is proper maintenance. Keep your
heating and cooling systems at peak performance by 1. cleaning or
replacing the air filter about once a month, and 2. having a contractor
do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy during
summer and winter months, 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. For tips on hiring the right contractor, see page 12, "Working with
a Heating and Cooling Contractor."
Overall System Maintenance Checklist
Your contractor should complete the following each spring and fall:
Check thermostat settings to ensure the heating and cooling system turns on
and off atthe programmed 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. It can also cause equipment
to wear out more quickly, requiring more frequent repairs or replacements.
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 and mold.
Check system controls 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 filter 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 heating and cooling equipment itself. A dirty filter causes
energy costs to be greater than they should be and can damage your
equipment, leading to early failures.
System-Specific Maintenance
The following checklists outline additional steps
your contractor should follow when servicing
either your heating or cooling system:
Heating-Specific
Checklist:
Check all 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 cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.
Cooling-Specific
Checklist:
Clean indoor and outdoor coils before warm weather starts. A dirty coil reduces the
system's ability to cool your home and causes the system to run longer, costing you more
energy dollars and decreasing the life of the equipment.
Check your central air conditioner's refrigerant charge and adjust it if necessary to make
sure it meets manufacturer specifications. 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. Proper airflow
over the indoor coil is necessary for efficient equipment operation and reliablity.
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Improving Your Home's
Comfort with Home Sealing
The exterior of your home is called the "envelope" or "shell." The envelope is
made up of the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and floor. It is common to find
both old and new homes that have poorly performing "envelopes" - that is,
they have drafty air leaks and are poorly insulated. An envelope that performs
poorly leads to an uncomfortable home and higher heating and cooling bills.
This is especially true when the weather outside is very cold or hot. Sealing
air leaks and adding insulation can increase your home's overall comfort, as
well as reduce heating and cooling bills.
To improve your home's envelope, the EPA recommends
a process called ENERGY STAR Home Sealing:
Seal air leaks to reduce drafts and get the full performance out of insulation.
Always seal air leaks before adding insulation.
Add insulation to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Usually, the easiest and most effective place to add insulation is in the attic.
This can improve comfort throughout the home. The U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) recommends insulation levels for each part of the house, tailored for
varying climates. Visit www.energystar.gov and click on Home Sealing to see
recommended levels of insulation.
Choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing or adding windows
to your home. In addition to making you feel more comfortable, they reduce UV
damage to interiorfabrics and can help you save money on heating and cooling
costs. Be sure the windows you choose are qualified for your climate zone.
Benefits of ENERGY STAR Home Sealing:
Improved comfort, especially during periods of hot or cold weather
Lower energy use, which means lower energy bills
A quieter home due to less noise entering from the outside
Fewer holes where pollen, dust, pollution, and insects can enter your home
Improved durability of the building structure through the reduced movement
of moist air
Whether you do it yourself or have a contractor work on your home, it is important to have
your local heating and cooling contractor perform a Combustion Safety Test after sealing air
leaks to be sure all your gas or oil burning appliances are working properly. A good time to
have it checked is during your annual heating system check-up. Of course, another way to
help ensure good indoor air quality in your home is to test for radon.
Learn more about Home Sealing and your home's envelope by visiting www.energystar.gov
and clicking on Home Sealing.
For the "Do-it-Yourselfer" with an accessible attic, view "A DIY Guide to ENERGY STAR
Home Sealing" for step-by-step instructions for sealing air leaks and adding insulation.
If you preferto hire a professional to seal your home,you can view recommendations
for finding a contractor.
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Sealing Your Ducts
Ducts are an integral part of a forced-air system such
as a furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioner,
whose job is to circulate heated or cooled air evenly
to every room in a house.
Improve your ducts by sealing leaks and insulating the ducts in attics and
crawl spaces. This will improve your system's overall performance and your
home's comfort and indoor air quality. You should have your duct system
checked by a professional contractor to ensure it is operating efficiently to
deliver the right amount of conditioned air.
Poorly performing ducts can leak conditioned air and reduce your system's
efficiency by as much as 20%, by causing it to work harder to keep your
home at a comfortable temperature. Ducts are commonly concealed in
walls, ceilings, attics, basements, or crawl spaces, which can make them
difficult to access and repair. EPA recommends using a professional
contractor for duct improvements. Many contractors who install heating
and cooling systems also repair ductwork. For tips on selecting the right
contractor, see p. 12, "Working with a Heating and Cooling Contractor."
COMMON DUCT PROBLEMS
allen duct insulation
©Supply leaks
(S) Kinks in ductwork restricting airflow
Duct Improvement Checklist
When making improvements to your duct
system, your contractor should:
Check, measure, and identify leaks with diagnostic equipment.
Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, or undersized ducts.
Straighten out flexible ducts that are tangled or crushed.
Seal leaks and connections with mastic, metal tape, or an aerosol-
based sealant. Duct tape should never be used because it will not
last. Test airflow after sealing ducts.
Seal all registers and grills tightly to the ducts.
Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas, like attics and crawl spaces,
with duct insulation that carries an R-value of 6 or higher.
Include a newfilter as part of any duct system improvements.
Conduct a Combustion Safety Test after ducts are sealed to ensure
there is no backdrafting of gas or oil-burning appliances.
(A) Leaky duct connection
(D Return leaks
© Furniture blocking register
(tf) Leaks at furnace & filter slot and duct tape failure
For more information and a copy of ENERGY STAR'S "Duct Sealing"
brochure, visit www.energystar.gov/ducts.
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Working with a Heating
and Cooling Contractor
Whetheryou want to schedule an annual equipment
maintenance check-up oryou've decided thatyou need
to purchase and have new heating or cooling 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 to make other home
improvements such as home sealing or ductwork.
How do you choose 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 thatthey are licensed and insured to repair or
install heating and cooling equipment (many states require this).
Be able to provide their certification for refrigerant handling, required
since 1992.
Have several years of experience as a business in your community.
Provide examples of quality installation of energy-efficient heating
and/or cooling equipment work, with names of customers that you
can contact.
Complete and submit the warranty information card on your behalf.
Get Quality and Value.
Have the contractor:
| Show you a layout of where the
equipment is going to be installed.
Determine the size of your new
equipment using ACCA/ANSI
Manual J®, or an equivalent sizing
calculation tool.
Check refrigerant charge using pressure
and temperature measurements.
Explain the financial benefit of installing
ENERGY STAR qualified equipment.
| Diagnose and repairyour duct system,
if needed.
Provide financing for the purchase, if
necessary.
Explain the warranty on equipment,
parts, and labor.
Clearly explain the benefits of regular
maintenance and help you set up a
schedule to keep your system
operating at its best.
Sign an agreement
before work begins.
Both you and your contractor
should sign a written proposal
before work gets started. The
agreement or proposal should:
Q List in detail all the work that is
being contracted.
] Specify all products by quantity,
name, model number, and energy
ratings.
] Provide manufacturer's warranty,
equipment documentation, and con-
tractor installation warranty infor-
mation (if applicable).
Q Give the payment schedule.
] State the scheduled start and com-
pletion date.
] Describe how disputes will be
resolved.
Q State the contractor's liability insur-
ance and licenses if required.
] Outline paperwork and permits
needed for the project.
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I
Choosing the
Right Equipment
When purchasing heating or cooling equipment, remember
that high efficiency levels begin with ENERGY STAR.
Whether you're searching for a new heat pump, furnace,
or other heating and cooling equipment, ENERGY STAR has
set energy efficiency specifications to help you save on
energy bills and improve the comfort level in your home.
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 U.S. homes today is more
than 20 years old. ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces use advanced technology to
deliver higher efficiency than standard newfurnaces available today.
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. Boilers that have earned the ENERGY STAR have higher AFUE
ratings. AFUE, the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a measure of heating
equipment efficiency.
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.
-j Heat Pumps
*'
Central Air Conditioners
ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners have a higher SEER than today's
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.
Electric Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): ASHPs, often used in moderate climates, use
the difference between outdoor and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat your
home. For example, they work in cold weather because the air is warmer than the
refrigerant in the system and causes it to boil into a gas. This gas is then compressed
which drives the temperature up to 120 degrees or more. This hot gas transfers heat to
your home. High efficiency ASHPs use less energy than conventional models. They
also come with higher HSPF ratings. HSPF, the Heating and Seasonal Performance
Factor, measures the heating efficiency of heat pumps.
Geothermal 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, high
efficiency GHPs are quieter and include water-heating capabilities. Although initially
expensive, they quickly pay backthe homeowner with significant cost savings. GHPs
are most often installed in new homes and require a duct system.
Programmable Thermostats
A programmable thermostat is recommended for individuals and families who are
away from home during set periods of time throughout the week, allowing them to
use less energy without sacrificing comfort. Programmable thermostats that have
earned the ENERGY STAR offer the most energy-saving potential for your home and,
unlike older manual thermostats, contain no mercury. Through proper use of your
ENERGY STAR qualified thermostat, you can save a bout $100 every year in energy costs.
In order to increase your energy savings, it's important that you:
Keep the thermostat set at energy-saving temperatures for long periods of time,
such as during the day when no one is home and through the night. ENERGY STAR
qualified thermostats come with four pre-programmed temperature settings for
typical weekday and weekend routines.
Resist the urge to override the pre-programmed settings. Every time you do, you use
more energy and may end up paying more on your energy bill.
Set the "hold" button at a constant energy-saving temperature when going away for
the weekend or on vacation.
1 Install your thermostat away from heating or cooling registers, appliances, lighting,
doorways, skylights, and windows, and areas that receive direct sunlight or drafts.
Interior walls are best.
If you have a heat pump, you may require a special programmable thermostat
to maximize your energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or contractor
for the details before selecting your thermostat.
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Getting Properly Sized
Equipment and a Quality
Installation
When purchasing heating and cooling equipment, choosing energy-efficient
products is a step in the right direction. However, asking the right questions
of your contractor and making sure your equipment is properly sized and
installed are also important elements to ensure thatyour new system
performs at optimal efficiency.
When it comes to heating and cooling equipment, bigger doesn't always
mean better. Larger capacity systems are intended to meet the needs of
a larger heating or cooling load. However, if the unit is too large for your
home, you will experience less comfort and increased costs. Oversized
equipment will operate in short run times or cycles, not allowing the unit
to reach efficient operation. In addition, oversized equipment will not run
long enough to remove humidity from the air. This can leave you feeling
cool but not comfortable.
Don't assume that the size of your new system will be the same as your
old 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. Expect
the contractor to gather information about your house such as the level of
insulation, type and size of the windows, and floor area. Your contractor
can determine the right size for your heating and cooling equipment by
using ACCA/ANSI Manual J®, or an equivalent sizing calculation tool that
takes these and other factors into consideration.
equipment, your contractor should do the
following to ensure a quality installation:
Quality Heating Installation Checklist:
Provide adequate room around the equipment for service and maintenance.
Test and verify proper airflow (if a furnace or heat pump).
Verify that your furnace or boiler has been tested for proper burner operation and
proper venting of flue gases. The vent piping should be inspected for leaks or
deterioration and repaired or replaced as necessary.
Quality Cooling Installation Checklist:
Provide adequate room around the equipment for service and maintenance.
Replace the indoor coil of the equipment when replacing the outdoor unit. To get the
expected level of efficiency, you should have a matched set. An old coil will not work
efficiently with a new outdoor unit.
Confirm that the level of refrigerant charge and the airflow a cross the indoor coil meets
the manufacturer's recommendation. It's estimated that more than 60% of central air
conditioners are incorrectly charged during installation.
Place the condenser in an area that can be protected from rain, snow, or vegetation,
as specified by the manufacturer. If you have a central air conditioning unit, cover your
outside equipment during the winter to protect it from snow and ice. Heat pumps need
to be left uncovered to properly operate during the winter.
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Protecting Our
Environment Starts
at Home.
The average household can be responsible for nearly twice
the greenhouse gas emissions as the average car. The leading
source of greenhouse gas emissions is energy production;
whenever you operate any product in your home that runs
on electricity, a power plant is most likely generating that
electricity by burning fossil fuels (such as coal and oil),
which produces greenhouse gases. Here are 5 ways you
can help reduce the risks of global warming!
] Seal up your home. Drafty windows and doors, cold walls or ceilings,
and high energy bills are all symptoms of air leaks (usually in the attic
and basement) and poor insulation. Seal air leaks, add insulation, and
choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing old windows.
That way you'll improve the comfort and durability of your home, save
energy and help protect our environment.
Q Tell family and friends. Slip it into a conversation with a friend or family
member. Talk about it at a neighbor's barbecue. Pass it on at a PTA
meeting or at work. We're asking you to help spread the word that
energy efficiency is good foryour home and good for our environment.
Tell five people and together we can help our homes help us all.
5 Steps You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution:
Change five lights. Change a light and you help change the world. Replace
your five most frequently used lights, or the bulbs in them, with ones that
have earned the ENERGY STAR, and you'll use less energy, which means
less pollution from power plants. If every household did this, together we'd
prevent more than one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases.
Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR. Ask for us by
name. You'll get the features and performance you want AND help reduce
air pollution. Lookfor ENERGY STAR qualified products in more than 40
product categories, including lighting, home electronics, heating and
cooling equipment, and appliances. If you are building or buying a newly
constructed home, ask about ENERGY STAR-we qualify those too.
Heat and cool smartly. Improve the performance of your heating and
cooling system. Have it serviced annually by a licensed contractor, and
remember to clean or replace air filters regularly. To avoid heating or
cooling an empty house, use an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable
thermostat. And when it's time to replace old equipment, choose an
ENERGY STAR qualified model, and make sure it's sized and installed
properly. If just one household in 10 did this, the change would prevent
more than 17 billion pounds of greenhouse gases.
ENERGY STAR
It's a good sign.
The ENERGY STAR program is a voluntary partnership between consumers,
their families, and many of the most respected brand names. All of us are
working together to achieve a common goal: to protect our environment
for future generations by changing to more energy-efficient practices today.
Since the fossil fuel-based energy used in a typical home can cause
twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as the average car, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency encourages homeowners to make their
homes more energy-efficient The government awards the ENERGY STAR
to those products, companies and organizations, homes, and services that
meet specifications established by EPA and DOE. It's our future.
Together, we can make a change for the better.
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