The EPA new Energy Star requirements for central air conditioners (CAC) and air source heat pumps (ASHP) went into effect January 1, 2009.

The new requirements for equipment to earn the Energy Star Label can be found at:

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/bldrs_lenders_raters/downloads/AC_Update.pdf

As of January 1, 2009:
Split Systems must have 14.5 SEER or higher, 12 EER or higher, or 8.2 HSPF or higher.
Single Package Equipment (including gas/electric package units) 14 SEER or higher, 11 EER or higher, or 8.0 HSPF or higher.

What does this mean ?
Builders qualifying their homes under the Builders Option Package (BOP) that requires Energy Star Qualified CAC or ASHP must begin using the higher efficiency equipment.

Builders using the Performance Path to Energy Star to qualify their homes must include at least one Energy Star qualified product category: Heating or Cooling, or Windows, or 5 or more Energy Star light fixtures, appliances, ceiling fans equipped with light fixtures, and/or ventilation fans. Any builder currently following the performance path that selects windows as the Energy Star Qualified Product will not have to do anything different as long as the NFRC label has an Energy Star certified symbol on it. Also, there will be no changes if you already use 5 Energy Star qualified appliances to satisfy the performance path requirements.
If you follow the performance path and do not fall under either of these categories, you will need to make one of the following changes.

1.  Your furnace must be Energy Star labeled with an efficiency of 83% AFUE or higher.

2.  The cooling equipment must have 14.5 SEER or higher; Heat Pumps must meet or exceed the new efficiency ratings for cooling and heating listed on new requirements beginning in 2009.

3.  Have your window representative get their windows Energy Star certified and insure the NFRC label includes the Energy Star Label.

4.       You can use 5 Energy Star light fixtures, appliances, ceiling fans equipped with light fixtures, and/or ventilation fans.

Energy Star for New Homes Version 3 is Coming in 2010…

Some of the changes in version 3 include requirements for: whole house ventilation, HVAC pressure balancing, verification of water management during construction for - roofs, walls, and foundation.

Advanced New Home Construction Standard

If you want to jump ahead of the pack, the EPA is taking submissions for their Advanced New Home Construction Standard which is called Climate Choice. To be eligible, the home must demonstrate it will use 50% less energy than code.

If you have any questions about these changes, feel free to contact us at 336 463 2005.