SAVE ENERGY, SAVE MONEY
Heating and cooling can account for nearly half of the
energy used in your home. Since these systems gener-
ally last 10 years or more, it could be one of the biggest
home investments you make. While some ENERGY STAR
qualified heating and cooling products may cost more
initially, they can yield annual returns of up to 50 percent
in lower energy bills.
HELP PROTECT
THE ENVIRONMENT
Residential heating and cooling equipment often uses
fossil fuel-based energy that contributes 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 heating and cooling equipment
that has earned the ENERGY STAR, the change would
keep more than 17 billion pounds of greenhouse gases
out of our air this year. Buying energy-efficient heating
and cooling equipment is one of many ways you can
make a difference.
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EPA 430F-03-020 December 2003
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WHAT IS
ENERGY STAR®?
ENERGY STAR is a label that identifies products,
such as heating and cooling equipment, which
meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR
help you save energy and money without sacrific-
ing performance - one solution to energy supply
and cost concerns. By using less energy, these
products also help reduce air pollution and global
warming associated with energy production.
In addition to heating and cooling equipment,
products in more than 40 categories, including
lighting, home electronics, appliances, and home
office equipment, feature the ENERGY STAR.
ENERGY STAR
QUALIFIED HEATING AND
COOLING EQUIPMENT
Heating and cooling equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR
combined with properly sealed ducts can save up to 20 percent
on energy bills and may also improve the comfort level in your
home.
AIR CONDITIONERS
Compared to conventional models, ENERGY STAR qualified
central air conditioners and room air conditioners reduce energy
waste by at least 25 and 10 percent, respectively. Replacing an old
central air conditioner with one that has earned the ENERGY STAR
saves about $60 per year in electricity depending on climate and
the size of the unit you're replacing.
BOILERS
A properly sized and installed ENERGY STAR qualified boiler
uses about 6 percent less energy than a standard new boiler.
PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS
Programmable thermostats that have earned the ENERGY STAR
provide you with more flexibility than standard models and contain
no mercury. Properly using a programmable thermostat to consis-
tently control your home's temperature can save you about $100
every year in energy costs.
AIR-SOURCE/GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS
Electric air-source heat pumps use the difference between
indoor and outdoor air temperatures to heat and cool your home.
Geothermal heat pumps use stable ground temperatures to pro-
vide heating and air conditioning. ENERGY STAR qualified models
are 20-30 percent more energy-efficient than standard equipment.
FURNACES
ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces use advanced technology to
deliver 15 percent higher efficiency than standard new furnaces
available today.
CEILING FANS
ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans move air at least 15-20
percent more efficiently than conventional fans. This means
you'll use less energy to get the same amount of cooling.
VENTILATION FANS
ENERGY STAR qualified ventilation fans perform better and are
typically less noisy than conventional models because they use
high-performance motors and a better overall design. Qualified
fans consume on average 65 percent less energy than conven-
tional models.
CHANGE TO ENERGY STAR
QUALIFIED HEATING AND COOLING
HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM CHECKLIST
When it's time to install a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) system, make an educated decision with the help of these
simple suggestions:
CH Find the Right Contractor - The performance of your new system
depends on how well it is installed. Getting the right contractor is
key to getting a quality installation. Look for contractors with several
years of experience that are licensed and insured (if required).
Ask for a written contract of all work and whether a contractor's
service technicians are certified by North American Technician
Excellence (NATE). NATE is an industry-supported certification for
technicians who install and service heating and cooling equip-
ment. Visit www.natex.org to use NATE's contractor locator.
D Look for the ENERGY STAR® - When deciding on an ENERGY STAR
qualified system, ask the contractor to estimate your utility bill savings
and costs. Although ENERGY STAR qualified equipment may cost
more initially, you will be rewarded with savings over its lifetime.
D Properly Size and Install Your System - When replacing heating
and cooling equipment, bigger isn't always better. Oversized
equipment will cost more up front and to operate over its lifetime.
Additionally, it will not dehumidify or provide a comfortable
environment like it should. Don't assume your current system
is the right size. Ask your contractor to calculate the "size" of
the system using Manual J, or an equivalent calculation tool.
Today's equipment is more efficient, and your original system
may have been sized improperly.
To locate a store near you that carries ENERGY STAR qualified heating and
cooling equipment, use our store locator at www.energystar.gov. Just select
"products," click on "heating and cooling equipment," choose the item you are
interested in, and click on "Find a Store."
As part of a proper installation, a certified technician should:
• Install equipment in easily accessible areas for easy maintenance.
• Test for adequate airflow and verify that the system has been
charged with the correct refrigerant level in accordance with
the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Conduct a combustion safety test after ducts are sealed to
be sure all gas or oil-burning appliances are working properly.
• Replace indoor and outdoor coils for maximum efficiency.
D Seal Your Ducts - Central air conditioners, heat pumps and
furnaces rely on a system of ducts to circulate air throughout
your home. It is common to find gaps between ductjoints in
a home, whether new or old. Ask your contractor to seal and
insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces like an attic or crawl-
space. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve a heating and
cooling system's efficiency by as much as 20 percent. For more
information visit www.energystar.gov/ducts.
D Maintain Your System - Schedule your contractor to do annual
check-ups of your heating and cooling system to help prevent
future problems and unwanted costs. Also 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.
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent
greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict
energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of Energy.
For more information, or to request EPA's
A Guide to Energy-Efficient Cooling and Heating,
CHANGE FORTHE
(1-888-782-7937).
ENERGY STAR
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