ENERGY STAR
CASE STUDY
ENERGY STAR® HVAC Quality Installation
Confidence in Quality Installation
Middle town, CT
When the Cap family decided to replace their 35 year old
furnace they also wanted to upgrade their system to
include central air conditioning. "We hoped that by going to
one central air conditioning system from four separate
window units it would make us more comfortable and be
efficient," said Mr. Cap.
The family started by looking in the yellow pages for a
contractor, and after receiving several bids they settled on
Aiello Home Services. "I liked that they took
measurements before giving a cost estimate. Their price
wasn't the lowest, but the methodical approach gave me
much greater confidence in their work and that the system
was specifically for my house," reported Mr. Cap. These
measurements were taken for the ENERGY STAR Quality
Installation pilot program administered by Connecticut Light
& Power (CL&P) through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency
Fund. The program requires that contractors install each
system using procedures that provide maximum efficiency
and comfort in heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems. Each contractor that participates in the
program has been trained to offer this specialized service.
After conducting a comprehensive assessment of the
Cap's heating and cooling needs, the Aiello Home Services
technician determined that the existing furnace was
oversized and could be replaced with a smaller model. As
part of the installation process, the technician also tested
and sealed the duct work to reduce leakage of heated or
cooled air, measured to ensure adequate air flow
throughout the house and checked that the air conditioner
had the correct amount of refrigerant.
"We've saved about 20% this year on natural gas usage
without sacrificing on our comfort," said Mr. Cap. "It
worked out really nicely, we're saving energy and that
helps offset the installation cost!"
After the system was installed, CL&P program
administrators conducted independent testing to verify that
the system passed the ENERGY STAR Quality Installation
requirements.
"I thought it was great," said Mr. Cap. "It was nice to know
that the new system was really doing what they said it
would."
Mr. Cap recommends the program to friends and family
alike, "The ENERGY STAR program is well worth it."
The ENERGY STAR Quality Installation program is offered
by EPA in partnership with utility companies in several
states. Benefits of the program include:
>	Up to 30% savings on heating and cooling costs
>	Increased comfort throughout the home
>	Improved system efficiency and air distribution
To find out more about HVAC Quality Installation,
visit www.energystar.gov/HVACQI

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