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 Heating Equipment
Enhances Comfort and Improves Durability
During the winter, homeowners expect their heating systems to keep them warm
without breaking the bank. ENERGY STAR qualified heating equipment can be up to
15 percent more efficient than standard models. ENERGY STAR qualified homes built
in the North typically include right-sized ENERGY STAR qualified heating equipment.
BENEFITS OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HEATING SYSTEMS
•	Lower Utility Bills. ENERGY STAR qualified heating systems are designed to use less
energy than standard systems. When properly installed, these heating systems can save
money on utility bills.
•	Less Risk of Air Quality Problems. ENERGY STAR qualified gas-fired boilers and furnaces
are designed to reduce the risk of backdrafting dangerous carbon monoxide exhaust into
the home.
• Increased Durability. Most ENERGY STAR qualified boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps
employ advanced technologies and high quality components, often resulting in longer
equipment life and longer warranties compared to standard models.
HOW BOILERS, FURNACES, AND HEAT PUMPS WORK
Builders of ENERGY STAR qualified homes choose energy-efficient heating systems based
on available fuel choices and regional preferences. Common heating systems include boilers,
furnaces, and heat pumps. Here's how they work:
•	Boilers heat water that is distributed in pipes throughout the home to radiators, fan coil
units, baseboard convection units, or radiant loops. ENERGY STAR qualified boilers use
about 5 percent less energy than standard boilers.
•	Furnaces heat air and distribute it throughout the home in a duct system. ENERGY STAR
qualified oil and gas furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of
83 percent or higher, making them up to 15 percent more efficient than standard
models.
•	Heat Pumps use a refrigeration cycle to both heat and cool the home. In the summer, a
heat pump functions exactly like an air conditioner —heat is extracted from inside the
home and transferred to the outside. The resulting cooled and dehumidified air is
distributed throughout the home in a duct system. In the winter, heat pumps operate in

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reverse —by extracting heat from the air, the ground, or a source of water outdoors and
transferring it to the indoor air, which is distributed throughout the home in a duct system.
ASK ABOUT INSTALLATION
Proper installation of heating equipment can have a big impact on performance. Look for
heating equipment to be installed according to best practices, including:
•	Proper System Sizing. Load calculations (from Manual J and Manual S of the Air
Conditioning Contractors of America [ACCA]) should be used to determine heating
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.
•	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.
•	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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