Upgrading HVAC? Choose Energy Star “Most Efficient” Label

As a homeowner, you may already be familiar with the Energy Star program that has provided ratings for energy efficiency on home appliances for over 20 years. However, did you know about the latest program from the Energy Star folks? New for 2013 is the Energy Star Most Efficient Label, which brings a new level to the existing program.

Instead of the standard label program, which allows manufacturers to rate their own equipment for energy efficiency, those products that receive the new “Most Efficient” are certified by Energy Star itself. This provides a higher level of standards to be met in order to be designated as one of the best as more and more manufacturers continue to meet the minimum standards that have been set by the original program.

Better for Consumers

By raising the bar in order to receive the new Most Efficient label, consumers will benefit from new innovations from manufacturers as they strive to be the best. In the years to come, consumers will see new products entering the market because of increased research and development by manufacturers. Each year existing products and new products will be evaluated by Energy Star in consideration of receiving the Most Efficient designation.

The new Most Efficient label covers certain appliances and energy saving upgrades made to your home, such as heating and cooling systems and windows. Innovations will provide increased energy efficiency that will help keep your energy costs low and keep more money in your pocket each month.

Upgrading the HVAC System in Your Home

If you are planning to upgrade your current HVAC system, it may be in your best interest to consider heating and cooling equipment that has received this new Energy Star designation. For central air conditioning systems, split AC systems must meet a minimum of 18 SEER and 12.5 EER. Packaged systems must meet a minimum of 16 SEER and 12 EER. These minimums are in addition to previous Energy Star requirements.

An additional requirement for an air conditioning system to be considered for the Most Efficient label is that the system has some type of communications, automated configuration, and capability for transmitting status of the system.

• It is recommended that your heating and cooling system controller’s user interface or thermostat has the ability to receive system information from the air conditioning unit.
• The air conditioning unit should be capable of participating in two-way communications with the system controller.
• Systems that are capable of automated configuration send and receive information to your system controller that configures the optimal settings for your equipment, such as changes in airflow.
• Units that are capable of transmitting the system’s status provide this information to the system controller. This information may provide a prompt for the homeowner to call for service with fault codes that have been generated from the system.

So if you have considered upgrading the HVAC system for your home, you should consider a system that has earned the Energy Star Most Efficient Label. In addition to the energy savings you will realize for years to come from reduced energy usage, you may also be eligible for federal tax credits. This will help you recover your investment even quicker.

If you are planning to upgrade your home’s HVAC system in the Sarasota, FL area, you should speak with the experts at Custom Air Heating and Cooling. We have been providing service to homeowners and commercial customers in the Sarasota and Manatee counties for over 20 years.  Please give us a call for additional information.