Energy Star® Program Requirements for
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Partner Commitments
Commitment
The following are the terms of the Energy Star Partnership Agreement as it pertains to the
manufacturing of Energy Star qualified geothermal heat pumps. The Energy Star Partner must adhere
to the following program requirements:
comply with current Energy Star Eligibility Criteria, defining the performance criteria that must
be met for use of the Energy Star certification mark on geothermal heat pumps and specifying
the testing criteria for geothermal heat pumps. EPA may, at its discretion, conduct tests on
products that are referred to as Energy Star qualified. These products may be obtained on the
open market, or voluntarily supplied by Partner at EPA's request;
comply with current Energy Star Logo Use Guidelines, describing how the Energy Star labels
and name may be used. Partner is responsible for adhering to these guidelines and for ensuring
that its authorized representatives, such as advertising agencies, dealers, and distributors, are
also in compliance;
qualify at least one Energy Star labeled geothermal heat pump model within one year of
activating the geothermal heat pumps portion of the agreement. When Partner qualifies the
product, it must meet the specification (e.g., Tier 1 or 2) in effect at that time;
provide clear and consistent labeling of Energy Star qualified geothermal heat pumps. The
Energy Star label must be clearly displayed in product literature (i.e., user manuals, spec
sheets, etc.) and on the manufacturer's Internet site where information about Energy Star
qualified models is displayed. It is also recommended that the label appear on the top/front of the
product and on the product packaging;
offer and encourage training to distributors and/or contractors on the following issues: proper
equipment installation and hookup, domestic water heater connection for desuperheater or
integrated water heating, code compliance, and proper use of the Manual J calculation, or other
equivalent calculation, in order to encourage proper sizing of equipment. In addition, Partner
should strive to use contractors or well installers who have received training on the design and
installation of the ground heat exchanger. Ground heat exchanger training may be provided by
Partner or a well regarded training program such as the International Ground Source Heat Pump
Association's. Partner shall focus its Energy Star marketing efforts in regions where contractors
have received training;
provide to EPA, on an annual basis, an updated list of Energy Star qualifying geothermal heat
pump models. Once the Partner submits its first list of Energy Star labeled geothermal heat
pump models, the Partner will be listed as an Energy Star Partner. Partner must provide annual
updates in order to remain on the list of participating product manufacturers;
• provide to EPA, on an annual basis, unit shipment data or other market indicators to assist in
determining the market penetration of Energy Star. Specifically, Partner must submit the total
number of Energy Star qualified geothermal heat pumps shipped (in units by model) or an
equivalent measurement as agreed to in advance by EPA and Partner. Partner is also
encouraged to provide Energy Star qualified unit shipment data segmented by meaningful
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product characteristics (e.g., capacity, size, speed, or other as relevant), total unit shipments for
each model in its product line, and percent of total unit shipments that qualify as Energy Star.
The data for each calendar year should be submitted to EPA, preferably in electronic format, no
later than the following March and may be provided directly from the Partner or through a third
party. The data will be used by EPA only for program evaluation purposes and will be closely
controlled. If requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), EPA will argue that the
data is exempt. Any information used will be masked by EPA so as to protect the confidentiality
of the Partner;
notify EPA of a change in the designated responsible party or contacts for geothermal heat
pumps within 30 days.
Performance for Special Distinction
In order to receive additional recognition and/or support from EPA for its efforts within the
Partnership, the Energy Star Partner may consider the following voluntary measures and should keep
EPA informed on the progress of these efforts:
consider energy efficiency improvements in company facilities and pursue the Energy Star label
for buildings;
purchase Energy Star labeled products. Revise the company purchasing or procurement
specifications to include Energy Star. Provide procurement officials' contact information to EPA
for periodic updates and coordination. Circulate general Energy Star labeled product
information to employees for use when purchasing products for their homes;
ensure the power management feature is enabled on all Energy Star qualified monitors in use in
company facilities, particularly upon installation and after service is performed;
provide general information about the Energy Star program to employees whose jobs are
relevant to the development, marketing, sales, and service of current Energy Star labeled
product models;
feature the Energy Star label(s) on Partner Web site and in other promotional materials. If
information concerning Energy Star is provided on the Partner Web site as specified by the
Energy Star Web Linking Policy (this document can be found in the Partner Resources section
on the Energy Star Web site at www.eneravstar.gov). EPA may provide links where appropriate
to the Partner Web site;
provide a simple plan to EPA outlining specific measures Partner plans to undertake beyond the
program requirements listed above. By doing so, EPA may be able to coordinate, communicate,
and/or promote Partner's activities, provide an EPA representative, or include news about the
event in the Energy Star newsletter, on the Energy Star Web pages, etc. The plan may be as
simple as providing a list of planned activities or planned milestones that Partner would like EPA
to be aware of. For example, activities may include: (1) increase the availability of Energy Star
labeled products by converting the entire product line within two years to meet Energy Star
guidelines; (2) demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency through
special in-store displays twice a year; (3) provide information to users (via the Web site and
user's manual) about energy-saving features and operating characteristics of Energy Star
qualified products, and (4) build awareness of the Energy Star Partnership and brand identity by
collaborating with EPA on one print advertorial and one live press event;
provide quarterly, written updates to EPA as to the efforts undertaken by Partner to increase
availability of Energy Star qualified products, and to promote awareness of Energy Star and its
message.
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Energy Star® Program Requirements for
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Eligibility Criteria
Below is the product specification (Version 2.0) for Energy Star qualified geothermal heat pumps. A
product must meet all of the identified criteria if it is to be labeled as Energy Star by its manufacturer.
1) Definitions: Below is a brief description of a geothermal heat pump and other terms as relevant to
Energy Star.
A.	Geothermal Heat Pump: A geothermal heat pump model uses the thermal energy of the ground or
groundwater as the heat source and heat sink for residential space heating and/or cooling. It may
provide both space heating and cooling, cooling only or heating only functions. A geothermal heat
pump model consists of one or more factory-made assemblies that normally include an indoor
conditioning coil with air moving means, compressor(s) and refrigerant to fluid heat exchanger(s). In
addition, for the purposes of this specification, some or all of the domestic water heating shall be
provided through the use of a desuperheater, integrated demand water heater or a separately
installed compressor that provides demand water heating. The geothermal heat pump includes all
the equipment and connections from the point at which the ground heat exchanger enters the house,
except for indoor equipment that was installed by someone not representing the manufacturer or
manufacturer's representative, such as the ground heat exchanger installer.
B.	Single Speed Models: Geothermal heat pumps that are designed to run at one speed and one
capacity (as compared to Multi-Speed Units described below). These provide the appropriate amount
of heating or cooling primarily by cycling on and off.
C.	Multi-Speed Models: Geothermal heat pumps that are manufactured to operate at more than one
speed through the use of technologies such as multiple speed compressors, dual compressors, etc.
These models are designed to be more efficient while running on low speed, but have the capacity to
supply more heating or cooling at high speed.
D.	Ground Heat Exchanger: The method by which heat is exchanged with the ground, groundwater
or surface water. Geothermal heat pumps may use any form of ground heat exchanger, which may
include horizontal or vertical closed loops, open loop vertical wells, or surface water. For the
purposes of this specification, the ground heat exchanger comprises all the equipment (piping,
connections, grouting, etc.) that is installed outside the house, and up to the point it enters the house
and any equipment or connections that the ground heat exchanger contractor installs inside the
house.
E.	Closed Loop System: A ground heat exchanger in which the heat transfer fluid is permanently
contained in a closed system.
F.	Open Loop System: A ground heat exchanger in which the heat transfer fluid is part of a larger
environment. The most common open loop systems use ground water or surface water as the heat
transfer medium.
G.	Direct Expansion (DX): A geothermal heat pump system in which the refrigerant is circulated in
pipes buried in the ground, rather than using a heat transfer fluid, such as water or antifreeze solution
in a separate closed loop, and fluid to refrigerant heat exchanger. For the purposes of this
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specification, a DX system includes all of the equipment both inside and outside the house. DX
systems may be single or multi-speed.
H.	Desuperheater: A partial heat recovery system that captures heat from the hot refrigerant as it
leaves the heat pump compressor and transfers it to the domestic hot water. Desuperheaters provide
hot water only while the heat pump is providing space conditioning.
I.	Integrated Demand Water Heating: For purposes of this specification, this term is used to describe
geothermal heat pumps that include a water heating function in the refrigeration cycle. Integrated
demand water heating differs from desuperheater in that the integrated demand water heating model
provides all or nearly all of the domestic hot water needs and provides hot water even when space
conditioning is not required. This includes systems that employ the use of a separate water heating
compressor unit or that use the same compressor for space conditioning and water heating. Also
sometimes referred to as full-demand or demand water heating.
J. COP: Coefficient of Performance - A measure of efficiency in the heating mode that represents the
ratio of total heating capacity to electrical energy input. For the purpose of this specification, COP will
be calculated for Closed Loop and Open Loop systems in accordance with the International
Standards Organization (ISO) Test Standard 13256-1 as stated in Section 4 below. For Direct
Expansion systems, COP will be calculated in accordance with the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute (ARI) 870 conditions.
K. EER: Energy Efficiency Ratio - A measure of efficiency in the cooling mode that represents the
ratio of total cooling capacity to electrical energy input. For the purpose of this specification, EER will
be calculated for Closed Loop and Open Loop systems in accordance with ISO 13256-1 as stated in
Section 4 below. For DX systems, EER will be calculated in accordance with ARI 870 conditions.
L. Manual J Calculation: A calculation performed to determine the heating load for a residence or
small commercial building. The calculation shall include site-specific characteristics such as regional
weather data, building framing materials, building insulation levels, building air infiltration levels, and
window area. The calculation follows procedures and protocols developed by the Air Conditioning
Contractors of America (ACCA).1
M. Manufacturer Limited Warranty: For the purpose of this specification, a manufacturer limited
warranty is an assurance by the Partner or the Partner's representative (i.e., dealer or distributor) that
purchased system equipment and components are warranted for a minimum of two years. Major
components, including the compressor(s), heat exchanger(s), air coil(s), expansion and reversing
valve(s) shall be warranted for a minimum of five years. The exact terms of the limited warranty,
given these minimum specifications, shall be determined by the Partner.
2) Qualifying Products: For the purposes of Energy Star, geothermal heat pumps include the following:
open loop systems, closed loop systems, and direct expansion systems. Geothermal heat pumps that
include a water heating function in the refrigeration cycle (integrated demand water heating) are also
covered. The specifications in Section 3 apply to single speed models. Multi-speed models may be
qualified based on EER=(high speed EER+low speed EER)/2; and COP=(high speed COP+low
speed COP)/2.
3) Energy-Efficiency Specifications for Qualifying Products: Only those products listed in Section 2 that
meet the criteria below (see items A through C and Table 1) may qualify as Energy Star.
1Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), 2800 Shirlington Road, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22206.
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A.	Partner must provide a manufacturer limited warranty for its Energy Star qualified geothermal
heat pump models. The geothermal heat pump will be warranted for parts and labor for a
minimum of two years. The major refrigeration components, including the compressor(s), heat
exchanger(s), air coil(s), expansion and reversing valve(s) will be warranted for parts and labor
for a minimum of five years.
B.	Since the performance of the geothermal heat pump is significantly related to the design and
installation of the ground heat exchanger, Partner will strive to ensure that the customer receives
warranty protection for the integrity and performance of the ground heat exchanger for at least
two years. Partner will inform all distributors and dealers of Energy Star labeled geothermal
heat pumps of the need for warranty protection for the customer. Partner will focus its Energy
Star marketing efforts in regions where contractors provide customer warranties.
C.	Energy Star labeled geothermal heat pumps must meet the criteria in Table 1 below.
Table 1:Energy-Efficiency Criteria for Energy Star Qualified Geothermal Heat Pumps (Version 2.0)
Product Type
EER
COP
Water Heating
Closed Loop
14.1
3.3
YES
With integrated WH
14.1
3.3
N/A
Open Loop
16.2
3.6
YES
With integrated WH
16.2
3.6
N/A
DX
15
3.5
YES
With integrated WH
15
3.5
N/A
4) Test Criteria: Manufacturers are required to perform tests and self-certify those product models that
meet the Energy Star guidelines.
A.	Closed Loop Systems
Closed loop systems shall qualify under rating conditions in accordance with ISO 13256-1.
B.	Open Loop Systems
Open loop systems shall qualify under rating conditions in accordance with ISO 13256-1.
C.	DX Systems
DX systems shall qualify under rating conditions in accordance with ARI 870.
5) Effective Date: The date that manufacturers may begin to qualify products as Energy Star will be
defined as the effective date of the agreement. The Energy Star Geothermal Heat Pump Version
2.0 specification is effective on April 1, 2001 and replaces all previous versions.
6) Future Specification Revisions: Energy Star reserves the right to change the specification should
technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers, industry, or the environment.
In keeping with current policy, revisions to the specification are arrived at through industry
discussions.
Energy Star Program Requirements for Geothermal Heat Pumps

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