Energy Efficiency Standards for Air Conditioners and Furnaces Upgraded

The nation's first ever regional energy efficiency standards will focus on air conditioners in the South, and furnaces in the North.

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Energy Star was designed by the EPA to take the guesswork out of appliance buying. Look for the blue-and-white label, which means the item is at least 10-50% more efficient than standard models (depending on the class of product). That means lower energy bills and less pollution.

More than 18,000 products in 35 different categories are covered in the Energy Star program, and most major manufacturers participate. Energy Star is a fixture in the showrooms of most retailers coast to coast.

By Dan Shapley

Central air conditioners in the South, and furnaces in the North, will soon be more efficient, thanks to the first-ever regional Energy Star standards, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, which had proposed the standards with a coalition of groups and industry representatives.

The new standards will make new furnaces in the North about 20% more efficient in 2013, and air conditioners in the South about 40% more efficient by 2015. Heat pump standards will also be upgraded in 2015. For furnaces, this will be the first improvement to efficiency standards since 1992; air conditioner and heat pump standards were last upgraded in 2006.

The new standards will save U.S. consumers about $18.7 million in energy costs, according to a Department of Energy analysis quoted by NRDC. Reduced energy demand should result in less power plant pollution, too.

If you're in the market for a new HVAC system now, browse first at Energystar.gov for Energy Star furnaces and Energy Star central air conditioners.

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