The Energy Star Most-Efficient Label: It’s Even Better Than The Energy Star Logo

When you’re shopping for HVAC equipment for your Florida home, looking for the Energy Star logo is a smart idea. These energy-efficient products cost less to operate than others, with no reduction in performance. These days, though, as many as 35 percent of products in some categories meet Energy Star qualifications. That makes it hard to tell which offer the greatest energy savings possible.

The Energy Star Most-Efficient label is designed to clear up the confusion. The most-efficient distinction applies to products with truly exceptional energy-saving capabilities. These products include features environmentally conscious homeowners look for.

Although the Energy Star program isn’t planning to qualify a specific percentage of products, it’s likely that only the top 5 percent of energy-efficient products will meet the most-efficient criteria.

In 2013, the program includes new product categories relevant to residential HVAC needs. Heating, cooling and ventilation equipment eligible for Energy Star Most-Efficient recognition in 2013 include:

• Furnaces
• Central air conditioners and heat pumps
• Boilers
• Ventilating fans
• Ceiling fans

As an example, to earn the standard Energy Star label, an energy-efficient gas furnace must have an annual fuel utilization efficiency rating of 90 percent for the South and 95 percent for the North. To meet the most-efficient criteria, it must have an AFUE rating of at least 97 percent. In 2012, the Lennox SLP98V variable-capacity gas furnace earned the most-efficient label. Keep in mind, the distinction is good for a year at a time.

To find products that have earned the distinction, look for the Energy Star Most-Efficient label at point-of-purchase displays. You can also find information at the Energy Star website.

For more expert guidance on the Energy Star Most-Efficient label, get in touch with Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. Since 1969, we’ve been providing reliable HVAC services to homeowners in the Orlando, Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island areas.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about Energy Star and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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