LEARN MORE AT
energystar.gov
ENERGY STAR®, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
program, helps us all save money and protect our environment
through energy efficient products and practices. For more
information, visit www.energystar.gov.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Cooling Equipment
Enhances Comfort and Improves Durability
Cooling costs can make up a large part of a home's energy
bill, especially in the South. In fact, air conditioning can
account for more than one-third of the energy used in an
average southern home. ENERGY STAR qualified homes built
in the South typically include right-sized ENERGY STAR
qualified cooling equipment that lowers energy use, increases
comfort, and improves durability.
BENEFITS OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED COOLING
EQUIPMENT
• Energy Savings. Central air conditioners with the ENERGY STAR label have a higher
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) than standard models. The higher the SEER, the
greater the efficiency. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners are approximately
8 percent more energy efficient than minimum standard equipment. Homeowners living
in hot and humid climates can expect to save up to $700 in energy costs over the life of
the ENERGY STAR qualified equipment.
•	Improved Comfort. When properly sized and installed, an
energy-efficient system supplies conditioned air more
steadily over longer periods of time than an oversized unit.
This results in more effective dehumidification and better
mixing of conditioned air in the interior space.
•	Less Noise. Many ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioning
systems have variable speed fans, more insulation, and
improved compressors that operate more quietly than
standard models.
Maintenance Tips
Hire a contractor to perform an
annual pre season check up.
Schedule a cooling check-up in the
spring when contractors are more
readily available.
Clean or change air filters once a
month.
Use a programmable thermostat.
• Reduced Maintenance. Over-sized equipment typically results in "short cycling," (frequent
on and off), which increases wear and tear and the need for future repairs. Right-sized
ENERGY STAR qualified cooling equipment often uses higher quality components that can
result in longer equipment life and longer warranties compared to standard models.
Properly designed and installed ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can provide optimal
performance with fewer problems down the road.

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ASK ABOUT INSTALLATION
Proper installation of air conditioning equipment can have a big
impact on performance. Look for cooling equipment to be installed
according to best practices, which include:
• Proper System Sizing. Load calculations (from Manual J and
Manual S of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America
[ACCA]) should be used to determine air conditioning
requirements. These calculations are more accurate than rule-
of-thumb estimating (for example, square footage ratios). In
addition, ACCA Manual D should be used to properly size the
duct system.
ENERGY STAR
• Proper Equipment Placement. The best location for air-handling equipment and ducts is
inside the conditioned space of the home (as opposed to an unconditioned garage or attic)
to minimize exposure to harsh conditions (e.g., hot, humid, dusty attics in summer).
Outdoor compressors should be positioned to minimize direct sun exposure, while allowing
plenty of room for air to flow around the units.
•	Proper Refrigerant Charge. Once the system is installed, the refrigerant line should be
checked to verify proper refrigerant charge. An incorrect amount of refrigerant can lower
system efficiencies by up to 20 percent and ultimately lead to premature component
failure.
•	Correct Airflow. The airflow and duct leakage should be tested and airflow adjusted as
necessary to improve operating efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.
A BETTER FUTURE
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary partnership between the government and more than 9,000
organizations, including more than 3,500 of the nation's home builders. Together with home
buyers and their families, we are working to achieve a common goal —protecting the
environment for future generations by changing to more energy-efficient practices and
products today.
ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. It identifies new
homes, buildings, and more than 50 types of products that are energy efficient and offer the
features, quality, and performance that today's consumers expect. Products that can earn the
ENERGY STAR include windows, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, and appliances. To
learn more about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov.

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