Learning About the Energy Star Guidelines

Heating and cooling your home to maintain comfort consumes a lot of energy. In fact, it accounts for roughly half of your household’s total energy usage. When the time comes to replace your existing HVAC equipment, it’s wise to look for ways to save energy and lower your utility bills. Learning more about the Energy Star program and the efficient products that meet its guidelines is a good place to start.

Energy Star Program Basics

The Environmental Protection Agency introduced the program in 1992 with the goal of helping consumers find products that meet higher energy efficiency standards. These products also cost less to operate and have less of an impact on the environment.

Program Guideline Overview

Products with the Energy Star logo have met the program’s strict guidelines, which include:

• Passing stringent tests performed in a program-approved laboratory, with the results verified by a third party.
• Belonging to a product category that generates energy savings across the country.
• Performing efficiently at a level consumers expect, and having features that are in demand.
• Providing enough savings through increased efficiency so consumers can recoup the higher up-front cost over a reasonable time period.
• Being clearly labeled so they’re easily identified as Energy Star-qualified products.

The HVAC-related products that carry the logo include furnaces, air-source and geothermal heat pumps, room and central air conditioners, dehumidifiers, ductless mini-splits and ventilation fans.

Benefits of Purchasing Energy Star-Qualified Equipment

Investing in Energy Star-qualified HVAC equipment offers numerous benefits:

• Energy cost savings: Certified products use up to 20 percent less energy than the least efficient comparable unit.
• Fewer repair and maintenance problems: Qualified products are better constructed from higher-quality materials in order to meet the program’s performance guidelines.
• Longer service life: When it’s properly maintained, durable, well-built equipment is more likely to exceed its expected lifespan.
• Tax credits and other incentives: Qualifying for Federal tax credits and product rebates can help you save money on Energy Star-certified equipment.

To learn more about the benefits of investing in HVAC equipment with the Energy Star logo for your Portland home, contact us today at Roth Heating & Cooling.