What is the EPA's Energy Star™ program?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes residential energy efficiency because household energy use contributes to air pollution, including 20 percent of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide. It also accounts for 26 percent and 15 percent of all U.S. emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, respectively. By using more energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling equipment, and constructing more energy-efficient homes, we can reduce this pollution; and save money at the same time!

• Furnaces

• Why is EPA promoting energy-efficient furnaces?

  Furnaces are the most commonly used residential heating system in the United States.

  Approximately 38 million gas furnaces are currently operating in U.S. homes and approximately 2.5 million of these furnaces are replaced annually. A 15-year-old furnace may be only 66% efficient and cost up to $730 per year to operate. A new high-efficiency furnace can be 90% efficient or greater and cost as little as $525 to operate annually. Choosing to purchase a furnace in the 90-96% efficiency range can reduce pollution and save homeowners hundreds of dollars over the equipment's lifetime.

• What is EPA doing about it?

  Industry-leading furnace manufacturers have signed agreements with EPA to produce and promote high-efficiency furnaces that are 90% efficient or greater. These high-efficiency gas furnaces squeeze energy savings from furnaces using an advanced "condensing" technology. Products qualifying for this EPA program will be identified by the EPA Energy Star logo.

• How do you purchase an Energy Star furnace?

  Purchasing energy-efficient products becomes easier for consumers, as now they can simply ask for Energy Star models when working with a contractor to select a new furnace. Most of the major furnace manufacturers have decided to participate in the EPA program. Thus heating contractors will have easy access to Energy Star furnace models.

• Efficiency Comparison: How much can my Energy Star furnace save relative to other furnaces?

  Over 10 years, an Energy Star furnace could save $1,700 relative to an old furnace, and $920 relative to a new standard furnace.

  *Savings based on $732 average annual heating bill from a 1993 American Gas Association survey for the Middle Atlantic region. EPA estimates for old furnace AFUE = 66%; standard furnace = 78%; and Energy Star = 92%. Actual savings for individual homeowners will vary based on geographical area of the country, local gas rates and the age and size of the home.

  For more information about Energy Star furnaces, please contact: Peter Banwell, Manager, Energy Star Furnaces, U.S. EPA (6202J), 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. Phone: (202) 233-9408. Fax: (202)233-9578.

• Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

• Why energy-efficient air-source heat pumps and central air conditioners?

  About half of all energy used by households goes to heating and cooling the home. Over 7% of all homes are heated and cooled with air-source heat pumps and 24% of new homes are built with them. Also the number of central air conditioning units in homes is increasing rapidly. Seventy-seven percent of new homes are now built with central air conditioning, up from 43% in 1972, and over 40% of all existing homes now have central air conditioning. In 1994, over 1 million air-source heat pumps and almost 4 million central air conditioners were shipped from manufacturers; the most ever.

  By increasing the efficiency of new air-source heat pump and central air conditioning units being installed, we can dramatically reduce the nation's energy consumption and resultant pollution. This will also help utilities offset their peak loads and avoid having to construct costly new power plants. More efficient equipment has the added benefit of helping consumers save money on their energy bills.