Shining Star: Energy Star Air Conditioners

Energy efficiency is important to a lot of people not just because it is good for the environment but because it is good for their wallets. The program called Energy Star was introduced in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This program is a joint program of the US Department of Energy. It is meant to help you save money and protect environment through energy efficient products and practices. The Energy Star label is now on over 50 product categories including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, and home electronics. The Energy Star label can also be applied to new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

There are benefits to buying products with the Energy Star label. For central air conditioners a few are:

-Central air conditioners with the energy star label meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

-Energy Star air conditioners have a higher seasonal efficiency rating (SEER) than standard models and are about 14% more efficient.

-May cost more to purchase up front but cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills.

To make sure you get the most out of your energy efficient central air conditioner, get somebody qualified to install it. Seal your home and make sure your ducts do not have leaks.

A few benefits of purchasing an Energy Star room air conditioner are:

-If every room air conditioner sold in the US was an Energy Star qualified room air conditioner, it would prevent 1.2 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions (the equivalent emissions from 100,000 cars.

-10% less energy is used with an Energy Star room air conditioner.

-They often include timers for better temperature control allowing you to use the minimum amount of energy you need to cool your room.

-Make sure your unit is properly sized.

Even buying an energy efficient ceiling fan is beneficial to you. They are 50% more efficient than conventional units. They save you $10.00 per year on utility bills. They also have improved motors and blade designs.

To help you find qualifying Energy Star equipment the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) have developed an online database. Also, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America includes a special designation to identify contractors who sell and are knowledgeable about Energy Star qualified HVAC equipment.

By purchasing Energy Star products you will be helping prevent global warming and promoting cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect.