HVAC Basics: What does ENERGY STAR^® Mean for an HVAC System?

By Anne Fonda with expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer

ENERGY STAR^® is a trusted label you’ve probably seen around other home appliances. Products need to meet strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can earn this label. When it comes to HVAC, heating and cooling units must meet or exceed specific efficiency ratings to qualify for ENERGY STAR^®.

Did you know?

Almost half of the energy used in your home comes from heating and cooling! Learn more on ENERGY STAR^® and consider investing in an energy efficient system.

ENERGY STAR^®

What does this mean for a heat pump?

A heat pump certified by ENERGY STAR^® is at least 15% more efficient than a standard model. Look out for those higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2), Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2), and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2) ratings!

ENERGY STAR^®

What does this mean for my furnace?

An ENERGY STAR^® certified furnace is generally at least 10% more efficient than a standard model. A certified furnace has a more efficient blower motor and earns higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings.

Reduce energy consumption and energy costs with the right HVAC system

When it’s time to replace an aging HVAC system that keeps needing repairs, look for a system that meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR® requirements. Things to know:

ENERGY STAR no longer certifies central air conditioners, as the push is for energy-efficient heat pumps that can both heat and cool.
Heat pumps must meet specific product criteria to qualify.
Furnaces must meet specific product criteria to qualify – generally, they need an AFUE of 90% or 95%, depending on the region.

One of the most important things when it comes to HVAC replacement is getting the right system size and hiring the right HVAC contractor. Get three quotes, and ask the HVAC companies to perform a Manual J load calculation before recommending a system size. A basic load calculation takes into account your home’s foundation, roof color, insulation, window number and type, square footage, and more. An undersized or oversized system will waste energy and won’t provide the comfort you deserve.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.