Are you in the market for new heating or other HVAC equipment for your Mid-Ohio home? Are you looking for the "best of the best"? If so, you'll want to pay attention to Energy Star's new Most Efficient label.
Changing of the guard
First and foremost, it should be noted that the federal Energy Star program isn't going anywhere. Though the Most Efficient label has been gaining steam since its pilot program in 2011, it's an extension of the regular Energy Star program that's been assisting consumers in making purchases of energy-efficient appliances and products for the past two decades.
However, with advancements in energy-efficiency technology, heating and cooling equipment and a variety of other energy-using appliances and products, are increasingly qualifying for the Energy Star. So, while Energy Star still represents specific standards of quality in regards to energy efficiency and performance, the need for the Most Efficient label arose as a way to further separate the best from the rest.
New criteria and a new era
One big change to occur with the Most Efficient label is in who awards the label in the first place. Now the Energy Star program, rather than the manufacturers, will solely decide which models deserve the Most Efficient label. This will provide more consistency and reliability with these more efficient models.
The required criteria to be considered Most Efficient is different for each category, whether you're referring to heating equipment or other types of appliances. For example, a forced-air gas furnace must demonstrate an AFUE rating of 97 percent or higher, which is basically as high as furnace efficiency can go.
If you'd like to see a list of the products in each category that have earned the honor of being considered Most Efficient, visit the Energy Star website. There, you will find details about each model for 2013.
If you would like further assistance with the Most Efficient label, or for any questions regarding home comfort, please contact the experts at Joe Behr Plumbing and Heating, Inc. We have been serving the HVAC needs of the Mid-Ohio area since 1965.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Mid-Ohio area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about The Most Efficient Label and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
