Energy Star Program Moving from EPA to DOE
WASHINGTON — The U.S, Department of Energy is taking charge of the popular Energy Star program, which tests products, including HVAC equipment, for energy efficiency.
Energy Star, launched in 1992, had been run by the Environmental Protection Agency with assistance from DOE and private partners. Despite talk within President Donald Trump’s administration of canceling the program, Congress funded it to the tune of $33 million for this fiscal year.
In a memorandum of understanding that took effect earlier this month, DOE and EPA agreed to “initiate the orderly transition of primary management of Energy Star activities.” A formal transition plan is expected to be agreed to by the agencies within the next three months.
A product that meets or exceeds efficiency its specifications wins Energy Star certification and can be labeled with the familiar blue Energy Star logo, which tells consumers that the product is highly energy efficient. Manufacturers are not required to submit products to Energy Star testing.
A residential natural gas furnace must have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95% in the North, and 90% in the South, to qualify for Energy Star certification, according to the Energy Star website. The furnace must also have a high-efficiency, electronically commutated fan motor and air leakage of 2% or less. A split-system heat pump must have an HSPF2 of at least 7.8, an SEER2 of at least 15.2, and an EER2 of at least 11.7 to qualify.
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