Learn the Importance of the Energy Star label to Your HVAC System

An ENERGY STAR label on your heating and cooling system means that your home’s HVAC system is working at peek energy efficiency. The federal government established the rating system back in 1992 to encourage homeowners and businesses to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since then almost 20,000 businesses and organizations have signed up to participate in the program.

To earn an ENERGY STAR Label, a home’s heating and cooling system must first meet three main requirements:

• Heating and cooling equipment must be installed properly
• Ductwork must be properly sealed
• The ventilation system must draw upon outside air

Equipment installation: The HVAC equipment in an ENERGY STAR home must be installed by trained professionals. Such expertise is not only necessary, but demanded since the equipment not only has to meet certain standards, the right sized equipment needs to be installed in your home. People living in homes with systems larger than necessary may be bothered by the constant cutting on and off of the system.

Sealing ductwork: In addition to ensuring that the proper equipment is installed in your home, the ductwork that connects individual rooms to the system must be sealed properly. Energy loss through improperly sealed ductwork can manifest itself in higher energy bills. With an ENERGY STAR certified home, you can rest assured that the ductwork in your home is sealed to meet the highest industry standards.

Ventilation systems: ENERGY STAR certified homes must employ whole-house ventilation systems. This means that the system must use a mechanical process to draw outside air into the house to maintain air quality inside the home. In addition, the intake vent must be clear of all obstructions and contaminants that could pollute the air source. Also, screens must be placed over all intake vents to guard against the intrusion of small animals and rodents.

The costs of installing ENERGY STAR HVAC systems in your home may cost a little more, but you will recoup the higher expenditure in the long run. For more expert advice about ENERGY STAR systems and other issues related to home comfort, contact Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HVAC systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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