Energy Star Home Features

Features

EFFICIENT HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT

In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. Typically, energy-efficient equipment is also more durable and requires less maintenance than standard models.

Lower Utility Bills. ENERGY STAR qualified heating systems are designed to use less energy than standard systems. These heating systems can save money on utility bills.
Less Risk of Air Quality Problems. ENERGY STAR furnaces are designed to reduce the risk of back-drafting dangerous carbon monoxide exhaust into the home.
Increased Durability. Most ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces employ advanced technologies and high quality components, often resulting in longer equipment life.
Furnaces heat air and distribute it throughout the home in a duct system. ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces are about 15 percent more efficient than standard models.
Proper System Sizing. Load calculations (from Manual J and Manual S of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America) should be used to determine heating requirements. These calculations are more accurate than rule-of-thumb estimating.
Proper Equipment Placement. The best location for air-handling equipment and ducts is inside the conditioned space of the home (as opposed to an unconditioned garage or attic) to minimize exposure to harsh conditions (e.g., hot, humid, dusty attics in summer).
Correct Airflow. The airflow and duct leakage is tested and airflow adjusted as necessary to improve operating efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.
Better Indoor Air Quality. Indoor air can be many times more polluted than outdoor air, yet the average American spends 90 percent of the day inside. Ventilation systems can significantly improve a home’s air quality by removing allergens, pollutants, and moisture that can cause mold problems.
More Control.When homes rely on air flow through construction assemblies for ventilation, the air delivery rate is unpredictable; and there is no control over the source or amount of air. In fact, air leaking into the house may come from undesirable areas such as the garage, attic, or crawl space. Mechanical ventilation systems, however, provide proper fresh air flow along with appropriate locations for intake and exhaust.
Improved Comfort. Mechanical ventilation systems allow a constant flow of outside air into the home and can also provide filtration, dehumidification, and conditioning of the incoming outside air.

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