Energy Star ratings can be found on a variety of products, including air conditioners, furnaces, hot water heaters, heat pumps and refrigerators. Energy Star products meet federally mandated guidelines regarding energy efficiency.
Energy Star is a program within the U.S. Department of Energy that works closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify energy-efficient products. The program is designed to help consumers make better-informed decisions about energy use’s short-term and long-term costs and environmental impact.
The program is meant to help reduce pollution and greenhouse gas pollution. Purchasing an Energy Star-rated product can also significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills.
According to Energy Star, if every appliance purchased in the United States this year earned the Energy Star rating, it would:
- Prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions from 420,000 cars.
- Save about 3 billion kWh/year of electricity.
- Save $580 million in annual energy costs.
- Save more than 25 billion gallons of water per year.
If you would like to purchase an Energy Star-rated furnace, hot water heater, heat pump or air conditioner, contact HVAC 911. Our network of HVAC technicians specializes in installing Energy Star products.
An accredited standard for energy efficiency
According to the EPA, products bearing the Energy Star label must meet the following criteria:
- The product must contribute significant energy savings nationwide.
- The product must deliver features customers want and be high performing.
- If the product costs more than a conventional but less efficient product, it must deliver energy savings that provide a return on investment within a reasonable timeframe.
- The energy efficiency and performance of the device must be measurable through verified testing.
Spending money to save
Purchasing a new furnace, heater, air conditioner, water heater or heat pump that is Energy Star rated is an investment. You may need to pay hundreds of dollars more upfront, but the energy efficiency you achieve more than makes up for it over a reasonable amount of time. An Energy Star product must have a decent return on investment to qualify for the program.
You can calculate the savings you can achieve with an Energy Star-rated device installed by an HVAC 911 contractor through the Energy Guide label. It will show the appliance’s typical energy use in kWhs per year – the lower the number, the more cost-efficient the device is to run.
Understanding the CEE Tier
The CEE tier is another energy efficiency rating shown on certain appliances like air conditioners and furnaces that indicate the product delivers energy savings. It complements the Energy Star rating.
The product’s tier rating determines efficiency – the lower the tier, the better the energy savings. CEE Advanced Tier is the highest possible rating and is equivalent to Energy Star’s Most Efficient ranking. Products in Tier 1 represent the top 25 percent of appliances on the market relative to energy efficiency.
Want a more efficient home? Call HVAC 911
If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money, call HVAC 911. We are a network of HVAC technicians that specialize in energy-efficient products. Our contractors can recommend upgrades that carry the Energy Star rating and significantly lower your heating and cooling bills.
All HVAC 911 Techs are certified and highly qualified. They have undergone drug testing and a rigorous background check and are insured and bonded. Find a local HVAC 911 tech in your area today.
