ENERGY STAR®: HVACR Equipment
Inverter Mini-Splits are some of the most efficient units in the market when it comes to room air conditioning. If they are used in a single room, why are they within the Central Air Conditioner Classification for ENERGY STAR? What Criteria applies for ENERGY STAR qualification: SEER or EER?
DOE, EPA & AHRI have traditionally included Mini-Splits with other split systems, under central air conditioners, based on their typical configuration with multiple indoor units and a single outdoor unit. The EPA includes both SEER and EER requirements in their specification.
Is it possible to gain ENERGY STAR ratings on PTAC or PTHP?
Electric air-source heat pumps use the heat found in even “cold” outside air to efficiently heat a space. ENERGY STAR rated heat pumps have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings, as well as a higher heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) than standard models, making them about 9% percent more efficient than standard new models.
What is an ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioner?
These have a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings, making them about 14% more efficient than standard models. EPA urges consumers to update their heating system when installing a new energy-efficient air conditioner to ensure that the unit performs to its rated efficiency. Further qualifying specifications can be found here (Source: energystar.gov).
What is an ENERGY STAR qualified heat pump?
Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) are over 45 percent more energy efficient than standard options and now include water-to-water GHPs. These provide space conditioning and/or domestic water heating using indoor refrigerant-to-water heat exchangers. Additional information about qualifying factors can be found here (Source: energystar.gov).
Electric air-source heat pumps use the difference between outdoor air temperatures and indoor air temperatures to regulate temperature. These have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings, as well as a higher heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) than standard models, making them about 9% percent more efficient than standard new models. Additional information about qualifying factors can be found here (Source: energystar.gov).
What is an ENERGY STAR qualified residential ventilating fan?
These provide better efficiency and comfort with less noise and feature high performance motors and improved blade design, providing better performance and longer life. Criteria for ENERGY STAR qualification include the following minimum efficacy levels depending on air flow:
- Range Hoods – up to 500 cfm (max) – 2.8
- Bathroom and Utility Room Fans – 10 to 89 cfm – 1.4
- Bathroom and Utility Room Fans – 90 to 500 cfm (max) – 2.8
- In-Line (single-port & multi-port) Fans – 2.8
Further qualifying specifications can be found here (Source: energystar.gov).
