The funny thing about logos is that the more we see them, the less we think about them. Like Pavlov’s dog, we just react. Take the ubiquitous blue and white Energy Star label. We come across it on boilers, water heaters, appliances and reflexively think they are energy-efficient. However, few of us know the details of what that Energy Star label means, where it originated, and how it can help Brooklyn heating efficiency. Learn more about how Energy Star can help you.
What is Energy Star?
It is a voluntary program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency with the dual purposes of helping businesses and individuals save money and protecting the climate and reducing pollution. Since its inception in 1992, the program has partnered with different industry verticals to promote and expand its reach. Today it includes not only a wide variety of household appliances but entire homes and buildings.
Does the Energy Start Label Connote Superiority?
Just because an appliance sports an Energy Star label does not mean it is better than one that does not. It just means it meets Energy Star’s stringent energy efficiency guidelines and generally consumes ten to twenty percent less energy. This can benefit you by reducing your monthly heating and cooling bill.
How Does Energy Star Apply to HVAC
Boilers, whether gas or oil, heat homes by circulating hot water or steam through radiators, radiant floor systems or baseboard heating. Energy Star labeled boilers have higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings, expressed as a percentage. Electronic ignition, since it eliminates the need for a fuel burning pilot is one of the features that contributes to boiler energy efficiency.
Central air conditioning systems earn the Energy Star seal of approval if they have higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings. The difference between the two is that SEER measures the efficiency of operating the air conditioning over the entire season while EER measures efficiency when the outdoor temperature reaches 95 degrees.
Energy Star also certifies electric high-efficiency electric storage water heaters (heat pump water heaters) and both natural gas storage water heaters and tankless gas water heaters. A higher Energy Star rating means heating water in your home will cost you less money.
For more information about Energy Star appliances visit energystar.gov. For Brooklyn heating efficiency, contact Aladdin Plumbing, renowned for providing green energy services that can reduce heating and plumbing bills while helping trim your carbon footprint.