Efficient Heating Equipment Part 4: Series 6 Ways a New Home will Cut Your Energy Bills

ENERGY STAR Qualified Heating Equipment

                   Enhances Comfort and Improves Durability

During the winter, homeowners expect their heating systems to keep them warm

without breaking the bank. ENERGY STAR qualified heating equipment can be up to

15 percent more efficient than standard models. ENERGY STAR qualified homes built

in the North typically include right-sized ENERGY STAR qualified heating equipment.

BENEFITS OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HEATING SYSTEMS

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energy than standard systems. When properly installed, these heating systems can save

money on utility bills.

Lower Utility Bills. ENERGY STAR qualified heating systems are designed to use less

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are designed to reduce the risk of backdrafting dangerous carbon monoxide exhaust into

the home.

Less Risk of Air Quality Problems. ENERGY STAR qualified gas-fired boilers and furnaces

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employ advanced technologies and high quality components, often resulting in longer

equipment life and longer warranties compared to standard models.

Increased Durability. Most ENERGY STAR qualified boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps

HOW BOILERS, FURNACES, AND HEAT PUMPS WORK

Builders of ENERGY STAR qualified homes choose energy-efficient heating systems based

on available fuel choices and regional preferences. Common heating systems include boilers,

furnaces, and heat pumps. Here’s how they work:

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units, baseboard convection units, or radiant loops. ENERGY STAR qualified boilers use

about 5 percent less energy than standard boilers.

Boilers heat water that is distributed in pipes throughout the home to radiators, fan coil

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qualified oil and gas furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of

83 percent or higher, making them up to 15 percent more efficient than standard

models.

Furnaces heat air and distribute it throughout the home in a duct system. ENERGY STAR

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heat pump functions exactly like an air conditioner—heat is extracted from inside the

home and transferred to the outside. The resulting cooled and dehumidified air is

distributed throughout the home in a duct system. In the winter, heat pumps operate in

reverse—by extracting heat from the air, the ground, or a source of water outdoors and

transferring it to the indoor air, which is distributed throughout the home in a duct system.

Heat Pumps use a refrigeration cycle to both heat and cool the home. In the summer, a

ASK ABOUT INSTALLATION

Proper installation of heating equipment can have a big impact on performance. Look for

heating equipment to be installed according to best practices, including:

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Conditioning Contractors of America [ACCA]) should be used to determine heating

requirements. These calculations are more accurate than rule-of-thumb estimating (for

example, square footage ratios). In addition, ACCA Manual D should be used to properly

size the duct system.

Proper System Sizing. Load calculations (from Manual J and Manual S of the Air

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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). Outdoor compressors should be positioned to minimize direct sun exposure

while allowing plenty of room for air to flow around the units.

Proper Equipment Placement. The best location for air-handling equipment and ducts is

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necessary to improve operating efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.

Correct Airflow. The airflow and duct leakage should be tested and airflow adjusted as

A BETTER FUTURE

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary partnership between the government and more than 9,000

organizations, including more than 3,500 of the nation’s home builders. Together with

home buyers and their families, we are working to achieve a common goal—protecting the

environment for future generations by changing to more energy-efficient practices andproducts today.