Heating and cooling
Save year round with energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. ENERGY STAR® models use less energy and have better fuel efficiency and innovative features. Remember to compare EnergyGuide labels to determine which equipment models are most efficient. Water heaters, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and air conditioners are all required to have the EnergyGuide label.
Storage water heaters
Energy-efficient water heaters prevent heat loss with better tank insulation and one-way pipe valves. For a comparison of current water heater models, click here.
Programmable thermostats
Adjust your home’s temperature automatically with a programmable thermostat. Most models allow you to pre-program up to four settings, so you can easily cut back on heating or cooling at night or during long absences from home.
Heat pumps
Energy-efficient heat pumps are available in both air-source and geothermal models. ENERGY STAR® models are more energy efficient all around. Air-source heat pumps are more efficient and geothermal heat pumps typically use 40 to 60 percent less energy. Heat pump models sold in stores are required to have the EnergyGuide label.
Furnaces and boilers
ENERGY STAR® furnaces are more efficient than standard models due to their effective use of fuel. Furnaces and boilers sold in stores are required to have the EnergyGuide label. For a comparison of current furnace and boiler models, click here.
Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are far more energy efficient than wood burning fireplaces, because over half of the heat created by a wood burning fireplace is lost up the chimney.
To improve the energy efficiency of your wood burning fireplace, consider investing in the following equipment:
- Chimney dampers. Dampers help keep heat in the house when the fireplace is not in use. They must be removed before lighting a fire and can be weather stripped if the fireplace is never in use.
- Glass doors. Doors let heat into the room and stop warm air from flowing up the chimney.
- Outside combustion air vents. Vents keep the fire lit with cold, outside air, instead of heated air from the home.
- Heat circulation blowers. Paired with a vent and glass doors, circulation blowers keep warm air circulating and cold air out.
Air conditioners
With additional features like timers for temperature control, ENERGY STAR® air conditioners typically use less energy. For a comparison of current air conditioning models, click here.
Ceiling fans
You can cool off in the summer and circulate heat in the winter with a ceiling fan. Although any type of ceiling fan will do, ENERGY STAR® fans provide more functionality and savings for your dollar. For optimum efficiency, remember to reset your fan’s directional settings each season. A counter-clockwise setting in summer creates a better cooling effect, while a clockwise setting in winter helps to circulate warm ceiling air.
(05/31/07)
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