Q: What is Energy Star?
A: ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The typical household spends $2,200 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR, you can save more than 30% or more than $700 per year, with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice.
Q: What is SEER? EER? HSPF?
A: SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Most commonly used to measure the efficiency of a central air conditioner. It measures how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the air conditioner.
EER = Energy Efficiency Ratio. A measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (95oF). The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner.
Both SEER and EER ratings are important when choosing a central AC.
HPSF = Heat Seasonal Performance Factor. The most commonly used measure of a heat pumps heating efficiency.
Ask your Climatech representative for assistance in choosing the most efficient central AC or heat pump, based on the size and layout of your home.
Q: What is the manufacturers certification statement?
A: The Manufacturers Certification Statement is a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. The IRS encourages manufacturers to provide these Certifications on their website to facilitate identification of qualified products. Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return.
Q: Does changing my furnace or air conditioning filter each month save energy?
A: Changing your furnace or air conditioning filter regularly (at least every 3 months) is a good idea, but it is hard to know how much energy it actually saves. Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work a little harder to keep you warm or cool wasting energy.
Q: Does it save money to set your heat down in the winter (or your air conditioning up in the summer) when you are away for the day?
A: It is a common misconception that it takes more energy to heat up a cold house than it does to keep a house warm all the time. Turning down the thermostat will always save energy, as will turning up the air conditioner temperature setting. Heat moves from hot to cold, and the rate of heat transfer increases with greater temperature differences between inside and out. Smaller temperature differences between your house and outside generally means you’ll lose less heat (or air conditioning) from inside the house to the outside. Therefore, you will save energy by only heating or cooling as much as necessary, for the occupants and time of day.
If your concern is comfort, or having to wait for your house to heat up or cool down after you get home, invest in a programmable thermostat. Ask your Climatech representative for more details.
Q: Do air ducts make a difference in my homes energy use?
A: Yes. Ducts that move air to and from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20%. Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, or unheated basement. Ask your Climatech representative for more details.
For more information:
More information on energy savings: energystar.gov
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