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Energy Efficient Products

ENERGY STAR� - Heating, Cooling and Ventilation

Room Air Conditioners

ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than conventional models. The following table shows the energy efficiency ratio (EER) requirements for the various styles and cooling capacities. The ENERGY STAR symbol may also appear on the EnerGuide label to show that the unit is ENERGY STAR qualified.

Style Btu/hr. EER
(Window-Mounted) EER
(Through-the-Wall)
Standard < 6 000 >= 10.7 >= 9.9
6 000 to 7 999 >= 10.7 >= 9.9
8 000 to 13 999 >= 10.8 >= 9.4
14 000 to 19 999 >= 10.7 >= 9.4
>= 20 000 >= 9.4 >= 9.4
Casement-
only
N/A >= 9.6 N/A
Casement-
slider
N/A >= 10.5 N/A

Standard style models are designed to fit into a slider or hung type window while through-the-wall models are for installation in a wall opening. Casement-only and casement-slider styles are designed so that they can fit into a casement type window. Note that a special electric plug is required for 240 volt models.

Central Air Conditioners

ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioning systems are about 20% more efficient than standard models. The energy efficiency of this product is measured by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Typical residential systems are "split" with a separate indoor evaporator unit in the furnace ducting and an outdoor condenser unit. There are also "single package" systems that have the evaporator and condenser in one unit. The following levels must be met or exceeded to qualify for ENERGY STAR:

Type SEER EER
Split >= 13.0 >= 11.0
Single Package >= 12.0 >= 10.5

Single package units with electric air-conditioning and gas heating cannot qualify for ENERGY STAR in Canada.

Efficiency levels for ENERGY STAR are changing due to new minimum efficiency requirements of Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations .

A new level comes into effect April 1� 2006

ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioning systems are about 8% more efficient than standard models. There are also "single package" systems that have the evaporator and condenser in one unit. The following levels must be met or exceeded to qualify for ENERGY STAR as of April 1� 2006

Type SEER EER Split Single Package
>= 14.0 >= 11.5
>= 14.0 >= 11.0

A new level comes into effect January 1� 2009

Type SEER EER Split Single Package
>= 14.5 >= 12.0
>= 14.0 >= 11.0

Residential Furnaces (forced-air)

Residential gas or oil furnaces must have an annual fuel utilization efficiency ( AFUE ) rating of 90 or higher to qualify for the ENERGY STAR mark. Some high-efficiency furnaces using a variable-speed direct current ( DC ) motor to run the air circulation fan, can significantly reduce electricity consumption while providing better heat distribution.

Air Source Heat Pumps

ENERGY STAR qualified air-source heat pumps are about 20% more efficient than standard models. The energy efficiency of this product is measured by a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Typical residential systems are "split" with heat exchanging coils located indoors in the furnace ducting and outdoors with the compressor. There are also "single package" systems that have both sets of coils in one unit. The following levels must be met or exceeded to qualify for ENERGY STAR:

Type HSPF
Region V - Canada SEER EER
Split >= 6.9 >= 13.0 >= 11.0
Single Package >= 6.6 >= 12.0 >= 10.5

Region IV - U.S. HSPF is 8.0 for split and 7.6 for single package.

New levels come into effect April 1� 2006

ENERGY STAR qualified air�source heat pumps will be 6% more efficient for heating and about 8% more efficient for cooling than standard models. The following levels must be met or exceeded to qualify for ENERGY STAR as of April 1� 2006

Type HSPF
Region V - Canada SEER EER
Split >= 7.1 >= 14.0 >= 11.5
Single Package >= 7.0 >= 14.0 >= 11.0

Region IV values � U.S. HSPF are 8.2 for Split and 8.0 for single package.

New levels come into effect January 1� 2009

Type HSPF
Region V - Canada SEER EER
Split >= 7.1 >= 14.5 >= 12.0
Single Package >= 7.0 >= 14.0 >= 11.0

Region IV values � U.S. HSPF are 8.2 for Split and 8.0 for single package.

Ground-Source Heat Pumps

Ground-source heat pumps use the thermal energy of the ground or groundwater to provide a source of heating and/or cooling for a home. There are three basic types: 1) closed loop; 2) open loop; and 3) direct expansion. The cooling function is measured by an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), and the heating function is measured by a Coefficient of Performance (COP). The higher the EER or COP number, the more efficient the heat pump is. ENERGY STAR qualified ground-source heat pumps must meet or exceed the following EER and COP levels:

Product Type EER COP
Closed Loop 14.1 3.3
Open Loop 16.2 3.6
Direct Expansion 15.0 3.5

Ceiling Fans

ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans move air up to 20% more efficiently than standard ceiling fans.

Fan Speed Minimum Airflow Efficiency Requirement
Low 35.4 m 3 /min. (1250 cfm) 4.4 m 3 /min (155 cfm) per watt
Medium 85.0 m 3 /min. (3000 cfm) 2.8 m 3 /min (100 cfm) per watt
High 141.6 m 3 /min. (5000 cfm) 2.1 m 3 /min (75 cfm) per watt

If your ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fan doesn't include lighting and you wish to add it, be sure to purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified light kit. These kits come with either pin-based compact flourescent lamps (CFLs) or screw-based CFLs. This lighting is more efficient than standard incandescent lighting and long lasting, so you won't have to make frequent bulb changes.

Ceiling Fan Tips:

  • Fans should be installed with the blades at least 30 cms below the ceiling, 200 cms from the floor and 60 cms from the nearest wall.
  • Air should be moved downwards from the ceiling in the summer to provide a cooling breeze on the room occupants.
  • If the fan is used in the winter, air should be moved upwards towards the ceiling to disperse the warm air that tends to accumulate there and distribute it more evenly in the room.
  • During the summer, switch the fan and light off when you leave the room. Fans don't actually cool a room, they just cool you by circulating air.

Ventilating Fans

ENERGY STAR qualified ventilating fans use, on average, 65 % less energy than standard models. Because of better blade design, they move more air with less noise and their high performance motors last longer.

Ventilating fans include:
  • range hoods
  • bathroom fans
  • utility fans
  • in-line fans

If the fan contains a light fixture, the total lamp wattage must not exceed 50 Watts. The use of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) is recommended. Fans with a "nightlight" must have a light bulb that consumes 4 watts or less. A minimum of a one year warranty is required. Qualifying ventilating fans may also have sensors, heaters, and timers.

Product Airflow Minimum Efficacy Level Maximum Sones*
Range Hoods Up to
14.2 m 3 /min
(500 cfm)
0.08 m 3 /min
(2.8 cfm) per watt
2.0
Bathroom and Utility Room Fans .3 to 2.3 m 3 /min
(10 to 80 cfm)
0.04 m 3 /min
(1.4 cfm) per watt
2.0
Bathroom and Utility Room Fans 2.5 to 3.7 m 3 /min
(90 to 130 cfm)
0.08 m 3 /min  (2.8 cfm) per watt 2.0
Bathroom and Utility Room Fans 4.0 to 14.2 m 3 /min
(140 to 500 cfm)
0.08 m 3 /min  (2.8 cfm) per watt 3.0
In-line Ventilating Fans Any 0.08 m 3 /min  (2.8 cfm) per watt Not Applicable
* a sone is a measure of how loud the fan is when in operation. The lower the number, the quieter the operation.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats must have at least two different programming periods (for weekday and weekend programming) and at least four possible temperature settings (i.e., wake, day, evening, sleep) to qualify for the ENERGY STAR mark. The thermostat should also be shipped from the factory with pre-programmed settings.

We are currently sharing lists of ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats with ENERGY STAR in the United States. When you click on this link, you will be taken to a product list on the U.S. ENERGY STAR web site. Many of the products listed are available in Canada. To return to Canada's ENERGY STAR web site, simply click on the "Back" button on your web browser.