2.2c Energy Star-qualified HVAC

Feature	Heating, ventilation and air conditioning products and systems that are Energy Star-qualified save energy and save homeowners money. Other green building rating systems, such as LEED and NAHB Green Building Standard, award points for using Energy Star-qualified HVAC systems.
Function	According to Energy Star, as much as half of the energy used in a home goes to heating and cooling. With high-performance systems that meet the Energy Star qualifications, homeowners can save significant money on utility bills.
	Energy Star-qualified HVAC products
Central Air Conditioners	Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year — nearly half the home's total energy bill. If a central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an Energy Star-qualified model could cut cooling costs by 30%. See Energy Star-qualified central air conditioners. More info
Room Air Conditioners	If every room air conditioner sold in the U.S. were Energy Star-qualified, it would prevent 1.3 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions — the equivalent emissions from 115,000 cars. Energy Star-qualified room air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than conventional models. See Energy Star-qualified room air conditioners More info
Boilers	Whether gas or oil, Energy Star-qualified boilers use about 6% less energy than a standard boiler. Energy Star-qualified boilers have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 85% or greater. They achieve greater efficiency with improved features, including: • Electric ignition, which eliminates the need to have the pilot light burning all the time • New combustion technologies that extract more heat from the same amount of fuel • Sealed combustion that uses outside air to fuel the burner, reducing draft and improving safety See Energy Star-qualified boilers More info
Ceiling Fans	Ceiling fan/light combination units that have earned the Energy Star are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units. This can save more than $15 per year on utility bills. See Energy Star-qualified ceiling fans See Energy Star-qualified ceiling fans with light kits More into
Ventilating Fans	Energy Star-qualified ventilation fans that include lighting use 70% less energy on average than standard models. Plus, these fans provide better efficiency and comfort with less noise, and use high performance motors that work better and last longer than motors used in conventional models. And they feature high performance motors and improved blade design, providing better performance and longer life. More info
Furnaces	Furnaces are the most common residential heating system in the U.S. Energy Star-qualified oil and gas furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 85% and 90%, or greater, making them up to 15% more efficient than standard models. See brands of Energy Star-qualified gas furnaces in PDF See brands of Energy Star-qualified oil furnaces in PDF More info
Geothermal Heat Pumps	Geothermal heat pumps are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but use the ground instead of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning and, in most cases, hot water. Because they use the earth's natural heat, they are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available. More info
Air-source Heat Pump	Electric air-source heat pumps, often used in moderate climates, use the difference between outdoor air temperatures and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat a home. Energy Star-qualified heat pumps have a higher seasonal efficiency rating (SEER) and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) than standard models, which makes them about 8% more efficient than standard new models and 20% more efficient then what may be in a typical home. More info
Tax Credits	Federal tax credit incentives for HVAC