Now marking its 20th anniversary, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label was launched in 1992 to help consumers make informed buying decisions about personal computers — then a new source of energy consumption in many homes. Today, the label is applied to 60 product categories, including home heating and cooling equipment.
Energy Star endorsement is based on the assumption that HVAC equipment really has two price tags: the dealer’s purchase price and the price of the energy it will use during its service life. The label is designed to provide consumers that second price tag. It identifies systems that conserve energy without compromising performance, features and comfort level. As a result of energy efficiency, the choice of a product with Energy Star endorsement also reduces greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
Here are some of the guidelines manufacturers must meet to earn the label:
- The equipment must comply with current federal minimum efficiency standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency. For new central air conditioners, this means a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of at least 14. Natural gas furnaces must meet an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) of at least 90 percent AFUE for furnaces in the South and 95 percent for furnaces in the North.
- The product’s energy consumption and performance must be evaluated by standardized industry testing methods.
- In addition to efficiency, heating and cooling equipment must include the features and options in demand by consumers.
- Equipment considered to be high efficiency, such as air conditioners with SEER ratings above 14, must provide sufficient energy savings to offset the higher purchase price and allow the consumer to recoup his or her investment in a reasonable time frame.
- Energy Star labeling on the product should be standardized and conspicuous to help consumers readily make the distinction between those products that have the endorsement and those that do not.
For more than 40 years, Mowery, Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has been the local choice for cooling and heating services for Indianapolis area homeowners. Let us show you how Energy Star products add efficiency and comfort to your home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Mowery services the Brownsburg, Indiana and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
