Energy Star Program Requirements for Residential Air Source Heat Pump (ASHPs) and Central Air Conditioner Equipment Partner Commitments



ENERGY STAR
PAHTNLR
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for
Residential Air Source Heat Pump (ASHPs)
and Central Air Conditioner Equipment
Partner Commitments
Commitment
The following are the terms of the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement as it pertains to the
manufacturing of ENERGY STAR qualified residential ASHPs and central air conditioner equipment. The
ENERGY STAR Partner must adhere to the following program requirements:
X comply with current ENERGY STAR Eligibility Criteria, defining the performance criteria that must
be met for use of the ENERGY STAR certification mark on residential ASHPs and central air
conditioner equipment and specifying the testing criteria for residential ASHPs and central air
conditioners. 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;
X 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;
X qualify at least one ENERGY STAR labeled residential ASHP or central air conditioner model
combination within one year of activating the residential ASHPs and central air conditioners
portion of the agreement. When Partner qualifies the product, it must meet the specification in
effect at that time;
X provide clear and consistent labeling of ENERGY STAR qualified residential ASHPs and central
air conditioners. 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;
o whenever the ENERGY STAR certification mark is used in connection with a qualifying
product in advertising, on specification sheets, on marketing materials, and on the
manufacturer's Internet site, provide the following disclaimer language: "Proper sizing and
installation of equipment is critical to achieve optimal performance. Split system air
conditioners and heat pumps must be matched with appropriate coil components to meet
ENERGY STAR criteria. Ask your contractor for details or visit www.enengvstar.gov."
o Provide detailed information in installation manuals that stresses the importance of proper
installation. This information should be written for the equipment installer and should include
the following paragraph.
For Package Units:
IMPORTANT - This product has been designed and manufactured to meet ENERGY STAR
criteria for energy efficiency. However, proper refrigerant charge and proper air flow are
critical to achieve rated capacity and efficiency. Installation of this product should follow the
manufacturer's refrigerant charging and airflow instructions. Failure to confirm proper
charge and airflow may reduce energy efficiency and shorten equipment life.

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For Split-System Units:
IMPORTANT - This product has been designed and manufactured to meet ENERGY STAR
criteria for energy efficiency when matched with appropriate coil components. However,
proper refrigerant charge and proper air flow are critical to achieve rated capacity and
efficiency. Installation of this product should follow the manufacturer's refrigerant charging and
air flow instructions. Failure to confirm proper charge and airflow may reduce energy
efficiency and shorten equipment life.
X
offer and encourage training to distributors and/or contractors on the following issues: air
distribution issues and their effect on equipment performance, refrigerant charging, proper
installation of registers, duct work, and plenum to ensure low leakage and to meet insulation
requirements, and proper use of the Manual J calculation, or other equivalent calculation, in order
to encourage proper sizing of equipment;
X
provide to EPA, on an annual basis, an updated list of ENERGY STAR qualifying residential
ASHP and central air conditioner models. Once the Partner submits its first list of ENERGY STAR
qualified residential ASHP and central air conditioner model combinations, 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. Alternatively, Partner is encouraged to submit
product information through a Third Party such as the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute,
as long as the necessary energy efficiency criteria (SEER, EER, and HSPF) are readily
determinable in the resulting publicly accessible listing;
X
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 residential ASHPs and central air conditioners 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 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;
X
notify EPA of a change in the designated responsible party or contacts for residential ASHPs and
central air conditioners 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:
X
consider energy efficiency improvements in company facilities and pursue the ENERGY STAR
label for buildings;
X
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;
X
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;

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X provide general information about ENERGY STAR to employees whose jobs are relevant to the
development, marketing, sales, and service of current ENERGY STAR labeled product models;
X 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.enerqvstar.gov). EPA may provide links where
appropriate to the Partner Web site;
X 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;
X 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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ENERGYSTAR
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements
for Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and
Central Air Conditioner Equipment
Eligibility Criteria
Below is the Version 4.0 product specification for ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioner and air
source heat pump equipment. Equipment must meet all of the identified criteria if it is to be labeled or
characterized as ENERGY STAR.
1) Definitions: Below are brief descriptions of residential ASHPs and central air conditioners and other
terms as relevant to ENERGY STAR.
A.	Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP): An air-source unitary heat pump model consists of one or
more factory-made assemblies which normally include an indoor conditioning coil(s),
compressor(s), and outdoor coil(s), including means to provide a heating function. ASHPs
shall provide the function of air heating with controlled temperature, and may include the
functions of air-cooling, air-circulation, air-cleaning, dehumidifying or humidifying.
B.	Central Air Conditioner: A central air conditioner model consists of one or more factory-made
assemblies which normally include an evaporator or cooling coil(s), compressor(s), and
condenser(s). Central air conditioners provide the function of air-cooling, and may include the
functions of air-circulation, air-cleaning, dehumidifying or humidifying.
C.	Single Package: A single package unit is an ASHP or central air conditioner that combines
both condenser and air handling capabilities in a single casing.
D.	Split System: A split system is an ASHP or central air conditioner with separate indoor
(evaporator) and outdoor (condenser) units. For split systems, the energy-efficiency rating of a
particular split system is based on the actual condenser-evaporator coil combination of the
split system.
E.	Gas/Electric Package Unit: A single package unit with gas heating and electric air conditioning
that is often installed on a slab or roof.
F.	Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): This is a measure of a heat pump's energy
efficiency over one heating season. It represents the total heating output of a heat pump
(including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in Btu) as
compared to the total electricity consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period. HSPF is
based on tests performed in accordance with ARI 210/2401.
G.	Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): This is a measure of equipment energy efficiency
over the cooling season. It represents the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat
pump (in Btu) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input
(in watt-hours) consumed during the same period. SEER is based on tests performed in
accordance with ARI 210/240.
H.	Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): This is a measure of the instantaneous energy efficiency of
cooling equipment. EER is the steady-state rate of heat energy removal (e.g., cooling
capacity) by the equipment in Btuh divided by the steady-state rate of energy input to the
1 Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. Standard 210/240 "2003 Standard for Unitary Air-Conditioning and
Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment."

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equipment in watts. This ratio is expressed in Btuh per watt (Btuh/watt). EER is based on tests
performed in accordance with ARI 210/240.
I. Matched Assembly: A matched assembly is a model combination that is listed in the ARI
Directory of Certified Equipment or for which the manufacturer has published energy
efficiency data that includes rated SEER and EER levels, and in which both the condenser
unit and evaporator coil are installed simultaneously. A matched assembly shall also include
the air handler, furnace, or other component that is used to determine the rating according to
ARI 210/240.
2)	Qualifying Products: In order to qualify as ENERGY STAR, an ASHP or central air conditioner must
meet the definition in Section 1 and the specification requirements provided in Section 3, below.
A.	ASHPs: This specification shall cover residential ASHPs that are rated below 65,000 Btuh and
powered by single-phase current. The ASHP may be a single packaged system, where there
is only one assembly, or a split system where there are two. If such equipment is provided in
more than one assembly, matched assemblies shall be used in meeting the specifications
outlined in Section 3 below.
B.	Central Air Conditioners: This specification shall cover residential central air conditioners that
are rated below 65,000 Btuh, and powered by single-phase current. The central air
conditioner may be a single packaged system, where there is only one assembly, or a split
system where there are two. If such equipment is provided in more than one assembly,
matched assemblies shall be used in meeting the specifications outlined in Section 3 below.
C.	Gas/Electric Package Units: This specification shall cover gas/electric package units that are
rated below 65,000 Btuh. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, they must meet the cooling
portion of the single package specification outlined in Section 3 below.
3)	Energy-Efficiency Specifications for Qualifying Products: Only those systems listed in Section 2
with a limited warranty that also meet the criteria below qualify as ENERGY STAR.
TIER 1


Energy-Efficiency Criteria for Qualified Residential
ASHPs and Central Air Conditioners
Product Type
SEER
EER
HSPF (for heat
pumps only)
Split Systems
> 14
>11.5
>8.2
Single Package Equipment (including
gas/electric package units)
> 14
>11
>8.0
TIER 2


Energy-Efficiency Criteria for Qualified Residential
ASHPs and Central Air Conditioners
Product Type
SEER
EER
HSPF (for heat
pumps only)
Split Systems
> 14.5
> 12
>8.2
Single Package Equipment (including
gas/electric package units)
> 14
>11
>8.0
4) Testing Reguirements: Manufacturers are required to perform tests and self-certify those product
models that meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines. Partner agrees to perform energy-efficiency tests

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for residential ASHPs, central air conditioners, and gas/electric package units under rating conditions
in accordance with ARI 210/240. For EER, manufacturers agree to perform energy-efficiency test
based on ARI Standard 210/240-94, Operating Condition A: 95°F outdoor air temperature, 80°F dry
bulb/67°F wet bulb indoor coil air entering conditions. The HSPF and SEER ratings shall be identical
to the levels reported on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Energy guide Label.
It is EPA's intention to utilize the CEE Directory of ARI Verified Equipment to determine which
equipment qualifies for ENERGY STAR. Any manufacturers that do not participate in the ARI
certification program will be expected to submit product information directly to EPA for listing on the
www.enerqvstar.gov web site.
5) Effective Date: The date that central air conditioners and air source heat pump equipment may begin
to qualify as ENERGY STAR under the Version 4.0 specification will be defined as the effective date
of the agreement. Any previously executed agreement on the subject of ENERGY STAR qualified
ASHP and central air conditioner equipment shall be terminated effective March 31, 2006.
A. Qualifying and Marketing Products under Tier 1 of the Version 4.0 specification: Tier 1 of the
Version 4.0 specification shall commence on April 1, 2006. All equipment, including model
combinations originally qualified under Version 3.0, with a date of manufacture on or after April
1, 2006, must meet the new Tier 1 Version 4.0 requirements in order to qualify for ENERGY STAR
(including additional shipments of model combinations originally qualified under Version 3.0). The
date of manufacture is specific to each unit, and is the date on which a unit is considered to be
completely assembled.
B. Qualifying and Marketing Products Under Tier 2 of the Version 4.0 Specification: The second
phase of this specification, Tier 2, shall commence on January 1, 2009. All equipment including
model combinations originally qualified under Tier 1 Version 4.0 specification, with a date of
manufacture on or after January 1, 2009, must meet Tier 2 Version 4.0 requirements in order to
qualify for ENERGY STAR. Approximately one year before Tier 2 becomes effective, EPA will
assess the performance level presented in this specification to ensure its feasibility in the
marketplace.
C. Elimination of Automatic Grandfathering: EPA will not allow grandfathering under this Version 4.0
ENERGY STAR specification. ENERGY STAR qualification under Version 3.0 is not
automatically granted for the life of the products model combination. Therefore any model
combination sold, marketed, or identified by the manufacturing partner as ENERGY STAR must
meet the current specification in effect at the time of manufacture of the equipment.
6) Future Specification Revisions: EPA 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 stakeholder
discussions.

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