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General Tips & Advice

How to Evaluate an HVAC Contractor

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HVAC contractors are the people you turn to when your heating or air conditioning system requires service, repairs, regular maintenance, or installation.

There are lots of contractors out there offering these services, but unfortunately, they’re not all created equally. Finding a trustworthy contractor is about finding a true professional with the right training, experience, and qualifications.

Heating and cooling needs account for roughly half of what you spend on energy bills, so it’s crucial to choose a contractor who knows the ropes and can ensure you have a reliable furnace and air conditioner that operate efficiently
and optimally.

Although it can be tempting to opt for the contractor who offers the lowest price, there are more important factors to consider. Today we’ll talk about what those factors are in this step-by-step guide that will help you evaluate potential HVAC contractors.

Possible Consequences of Using an Unqualified Contractor

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How to Evaluate an HVAC Contractor

Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Buying a New Heating & Air Conditioning System

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The right furnace or air conditioner will keep your home at a comfortable temperature, keep the air in your house clean, and could even save you money on monthly energy bills. Buying and owning heating and cooling systems is a large expense and requires some work, but there are ways you can save money on your HVAC system.

On the other hand, there are some common mistakes you can make when buying, installing, and maintaining a furnace or air conditioner that could end up costing you more than you need to pay, and today we’ll talk about those common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Opting for the Cheapest Unit Available

Budget is often a primary concern when upgrading a furnace or air conditioner, but you can’t base your decision on price alone.

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Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Buying a New HVAC System

Do You Need to Upgrade Your Heating & Cooling System After Home Renovations?

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Building an addition on your home is a great investment that gives you more square footage for living, changes the look and layout of your space, and increases the value of your home.

But before you even break ground, so to speak, it’s important to determine whether your current HVAC system is up to the task of heating and cooling the additional space.

Depending on the addition, you might not need to do anything to your current system. However, there are plenty of instances where your heating and cooling systems will need to be upgraded, expanded, or supplemented when you build a home addition.

This guide will go over everything related to home additions and HVAC upgrades, including things you need to consider, calculating your heating and cooling needs, how different types of additions can impact your choice, and the many options you can weigh for heating and cooling your new space.

Weigh Your Options Before You Build

We mentioned already that a home addition can require an HVAC upgrade, expansion, or supplementation, and you’ll want to decide what to do about your system before you plan, design, and build.

For example, expanding your current HVAC system will likely require adding more ductwork or new pipes and radiators, and you’ll want to work that into your building plans.

Another reason it’s important to choose the right heating and cooling option before you start is so you can budget for the project accurately. Having to buy a new furnace and air conditioner will require an additional investment that you may not have planned for.

Moreover, having a plan in place will help ensure you have all the tools and equipment you need, and the right professionals lined up to execute your project.

Start with a Professional Calculation

To make an informed choice about heating and cooling your addition, you’ll want to start with a load calculation. This will allow you to determine what size furnace/boiler and air conditioner your home will require, and whether you need to upgrade to accommodate the additional space.

It’s a good idea to have this calculation done by a professional because there are so many factors to consider, including:

  • Square footage of the home with the addition
  • Efficiency of your current furnace/boiler and air conditioner
  • Direction your home faces
  • Style and layout of the home with the addition
  • Climate and humidity
  • Number of exterior walls
  • Thickness of your insulation
  • Number of windows, doors, and skylights in the house (with the addition)
  • Age and efficiency of your windows, doors, and ductwork
  • Total heat sources in your home (such as gas fireplaces)

Options for Heating and Cooling Your Addition

The load calculation will tell you:

  • Whether your current HVAC system is sufficient to handle the heating and cooling needs of your home with the addition OR
  • Whether you need to upgrade your furnace/boiler and air conditioner OR
  • Whether you need to supplement your existing system

Expanding Your Current HVAC System

When your current furnace or boiler and air conditioner are sufficient to heat and cool your home as well as the additional space, then you will likely be able to expand your current system without having to purchase new units.

If you have forced air, then expanding your current system will involve building new ductwork and air supplies throughout the addition and connecting it all to your existing ductwork.

If you have a boiler system, then you’ll need to install new pipes and radiators throughout the addition and connect it all to your existing pipe network.

Upgrading Your HVAC System

Depending on the size of your addition, it’s possible that your current heating and cooling systems won’t have a large enough capacity to accommodate the new space. This is especially the case if your new addition is large or has many windows or other features that may increase heating & cooling demands.

In that case, one option is upgrading to a larger furnace or boiler and larger air conditioner with higher BTU outputs.

There are many benefits to upgrading your old furnace or A/C, especially if your current heating and cooling units are 10 years or older, are starting to break down more often, or are less efficient than the models currently available.

Upgrading will require an additional investment, but buying a brand new high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner comes with a number of advantages, including better performance, lower energy bills, convenient control systems, quieter operation, and a new warranty.

Moreover, upgrading your heating and cooling systems will guarantee that your furnace and air conditioner are sized properly for your new space, and that alone can be worth the investment (more on that later).

Installing a Separate and Independent System

If your current HVAC system isn’t large enough to accommodate your additional space, then there is an alternative to upgrading your furnace and air conditioner: you can supplement them with additional units.

There are several circumstances when this might be appropriate, including when:

  • Your existing furnace and air conditioner are relatively new
  • The addition is creating a lot of extra space (such as an in-law suite)
  • The addition is a separate structure from your home
  • You don’t want to expand your ductwork or hot water piping
  • The new space has different heating and cooling needs from the rest of the house
  • The new space won’t be used regularly
  • You don’t have central heating and air conditioning that can be expanded

Depending on the situation, there are several options for heating and cooling your addition with an independent HVAC system. Options include:

  • Ductless mini-split air conditioners
  • Ductless heat pumps (for heating and air conditioning)
  • Gas fireplaces or wood stoves
  • Ceiling fans
  • Separate furnace/boiler and air conditioner
  • Window or portable air conditioners

The Type of Home Addition Can Help You Choose the Right HVAC Setup

The HVAC system that’s going to work for your renovated home depends on more than just added square footage. There are lots of reasons why the type of addition can impact what you do with your HVAC system. Here are some things to consider:

  • If the addition has different cooling/heating needs from the rest of the house (such as a sunroom, library, or room above a garage), then you might want to install a separate system that’s independent from your main HVAC setup.
  • If the addition won’t be used regularly, such as a guest suite, or isn’t part of your main home, then an independent system might be preferable.
  • If you’re adding a small space, such as a bump-out for a bathroom or a dormer in the attic, then you may not have to make any changes to your heating and cooling systems, but you might have to add ventilation.
  • If you’re adding a story to your home, then you’ll likely need to upgrade your furnace/boiler and air conditioner, or install independent units to heat and cool the space separately
  • If you’re enlarging your space (such as by converting a garage) or adding a new room to an existing floor, then you might have to upgrade to larger units, or supplement the space with additional heating and cooling sources.

Upgrading Your Heating and Cooling Systems for Improved Efficiency

Upgrading your furnace or air conditioner isn’t always just about getting the right size. You might also want to upgrade because your current HVAC systems are older, ailing, less efficient, costing too much to operate, no longer under warranty, or not as sophisticated as the models available today.

Improved Efficiency and Performance

Consider this: if your furnace is more than 15 years old, then it might only be 70 percent efficient (and possibly less). If you want that same low-efficiency furnace to heat your home with the addition, then your energy consumption and bills are going to skyrocket (the same goes for an older and low-efficiency air conditioner).

By upgrading, you can get a furnace that’s upwards of 99 percent efficient, a boiler with an AFUE of 95 percent or higher, and an air conditioner with a high-efficiency SEER rating of 16 or more.

All of this translates to better performance, less maintenance, reduced energy consumption, and lower energy bills. Although you might have to invest more upfront, you will save more in the long run with cheaper heating and cooling costs.

Easier Financing

Furthermore, you might be able to combine all the expenses for the project—including the cost of the new air conditioner, new furnace, and the addition—into a single low-interest loan, depending on how you’re financing the project. This will save you from having to secure a separate loan down the road for new HVAC equipment.

Accessing Rebates

When upgrading, remember that high-efficiency and ENERGY STAR® models are often eligible for additional rebates that mid-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners don’t qualify for.

Better Warranties

Finally, always choose models that are backed by great warranties, because a good warranty can save you plenty on maintenance and service calls, and will give you a good idea of how long the unit will operate reliably and efficiently.

Why Furnace and Air Conditioner Sizing Is Important

Size might not seem like a crucial factor when you’re picking out new HVAC equipment, but there are several reasons why you need to consider it. Here’s what happens when your furnace and air conditioner are oversized or undersized versus properly sized:

SizeFurnaceAir Conditioner
Too BigIrregular cycling, hot and cold spots, poor efficiency, increased maintenance, and a shorter lifespanShort cycling, higher humidity levels, more maintenance, poor efficiency, and a shorter lifespan
Too SmallContinuous operation, poor efficiency, home is always too cold, high energy bills, increased maintenance, and a shorter lifespanContinuous operation, poor efficiency, home is always too hot, poor humidity control, high energy bills, increased maintenance, and a shorter lifespan
Just RightRegular operation, home is the right temperature, no hot and cold spots, reduced maintenance, better efficiency, good humidity levels, lower energy bills, and a longer lifespanProper operation, improved efficiency, right humidity levels, even temperature throughout the house, lower maintenance requirements, lower energy bills, and a longer lifespan

FAQ

How is furnace/boiler efficiency measured?

The efficiency of heating systems is measured with annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). This measures the amount of fuel the furnace or boiler consumes versus how much heat it produces. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the model.

How is air conditioner efficiency measured?

The efficiency of air conditioners is measured with seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). This measures the amount of fuel the air conditioner consumes versus how much cooling it produces. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the model.
Canadian summers don’t typically require the ultra-high SEER models that are available, and somewhere between 16 and 18 SEER is usually sufficient for our summers.

How are furnaces and air conditioners sized?

The size of a furnace or boiler is measured with British thermal units (BTUs). One BTU is equal to the amount of energy required to increase 1 pound of water by 1 F. A 40,000 BTU furnace, for example, produces 40,000 BTUs of heat per hour.
 
Air conditioners are measured in tons, which correspond to BTUs. A 1.5-ton air conditioner produces 18,000 BTUs of cooling per hour. For each half-ton you add, you increase the BTUs by 6,000. For example, a 2-ton air conditioner produces 24,000 BTUs of cooling per hour.

How can I calculate what size furnace and air conditioner I need?

There are lots of factors that go into properly sizing a heating or cooling system, and it’s a good idea to have this done by a professional. But here are some rules of thumb so you can get a ballpark estimate of what size range to look at:
Furnaces: Between 30 and 60 BTUs per square foot.
Boilers: Around 50 BTUs per square foot.
Air conditioners: Around 20 BTUs per square foot.

Sources

ENERGY STAR Explained – Everything You Need to Know

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Have you ever noticed the ENERGY STAR® logo on things like lightbulbs, appliances, and other household items and wondered what it was all about?

The ENERGY STAR logo indicates that the product in question meets certain energy-efficiency standards. As a homeowner or renter, that means you’ll use less energy running it, so you’ll save more money on power bills.

If you want more information about this program, then this guide will tell you what you need to know to make informed decisions with your money when it comes time to buy new HVAC equipment like furnaces and air conditioners.

We’ll give you a brief history of ENERGY STAR, talk about certification criteria, go over the benefits of the program and certified products, discuss how it relates to heating and cooling systems, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Did you know! FurnacePrices.ca is a proud participant of the program as an advocate promoting environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient heating & cooling solutions for Canadians.

What is the ENERGY STAR Program?

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary certification and labelling program that was created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1992. The idea was to help consumers identify energy-efficient products, making it easier for people to make environmentally responsible choices.

The overall aim of the ENERGY STAR program was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging and facilitating the purchase of more efficient products.

Initially, the program only certified office equipment like computers and monitors, but since then it has grown to incorporate:

  • A broader range of appliances and electronics
  • Household items
  • Heating and cooling systems like furnaces and air conditioners
  • Homes
  • Factories, plants, and manufacturing facilities

In 2001, Canada became an international partner of the ENERGY STAR program after an agreement was made between the EPA and Natural Resources Canada.

Manufacturers that want certification for their products in Canada must meet the strict eligibility requirements set by Natural Resources Canada.

The full list of certified products is available on the Natural Resources Canada website.

The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Designation

On an annual basis, ENERGY STAR evaluates all the products that have qualified for certification that year. They find the top-performing and most efficient products in each category and designate those as the Most Efficient for that year.

Learn about the difference between ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide here

What ENERGY STAR Means for Canadian Consumers

Over 1,000 businesses in Canada have signed agreements with Natural Resources Canada to participate in the ENERGY STAR program. As a consumer, you know that companies participating in the program are working hard to create products that are more efficient and more environmentally responsible.

Natural Resources Canada also work to educate and inform consumers about how and why to buy these kinds of products, including through various advocacy organizations, such as FurnacePrices.ca, which is a participant.

ENERGY STAR has helped millions of consumers and businesses reduce their impact on the environment and save billions of dollars in energy costs.

Are ENERGY STAR Products Worth the Investment?

Qualifying products tend to cost more than comparable ones that aren’t certified. For one thing, there’s a cost to participate in the program, and this can get passed on to consumers.

More importantly, these products often require improved designs and materials, and while this increases the cost of production, it also improves performance and efficiency.

For consumers, ENERGY STAR products are usually worth the additional price thanks to the numerous advantages that come with certification, which include:

  • Energy and cost savings
  • Efficiency guarantees
  • Environmental benefits
  • Additional rebates

The Many Benefits for Furnaces and Air Conditioners

Energy Savings on Heating and Cooling Bills

ENERGY STAR furnaces and air conditioners are more efficient, and this means they cost less to operate. Certified gas furnaces, for example, use at least 6 percent less fuel than non-certified models.

Month after month and year after year, you’ll have lower energy bills compared to when you were running your older and less efficient heating and cooling systems.

Guaranteed Efficiency and Performance

Another benefit of buying an ENERGY STAR furnace or air conditioner is knowing the unit meets an efficiency minimum, that the model is as efficient as advertised, and that it’s among the most efficient in its category.

When you buy a certified heating or cooling system, you can expect it to perform at the efficiency level advertised. In short, it’s extra assurance that your unit will save you money over the long term.

It should be mentioned that efficiency ratings depend on certain conditions, including that the unit is properly sized for your home, that it’s installed properly, and that it’s adequately maintained.

Combating Climate Change

Another bonus of choosing an ENERGY STAR furnace or air conditioner is that you’ll be doing your part to help fight climate change by reducing carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases.

Additional Rebates

Finally, if you decide to purchase a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR furnace or air conditioner, there are often additional rebates available that non-certified models don’t qualify for.

This can help offset the additional cost of the unit. Rebates are often available through:

  • The federal, provincial, and municipal government
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Utility companies
  • Local HVAC distributors
  • Energy organizations
  • Furnace and air conditioner manufacturers

How to Compare Furnaces and Air Conditioners for Efficiency

The efficiency of furnaces and air conditioners is measured differently, and being familiar with the measurements will help you choose the right model when it’s time for an upgrade.

  • AFUE Ratings for Furnaces: Furnace efficiency is measured with AFUE, which stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It measures how much fuel a furnace consumes versus how much of that fuel gets converted into heat. AFUE is a percentage, and the higher the percentage, the more efficient the furnace. For example, a furnace with an AFUE of 98 percent converts 98 percent of fuel into heat, so it only wastes 2 percent of the fuel it uses.
  • SEER Ratings for Air Conditioners: Air conditioner efficiency is measured with SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This similarly measures how much fuel the unit consumes versus how much cooling it produces. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the air conditioner. Modern air conditioners have SEER ratings between 13 and 30, but in Canada, where summers are milder, the sweet spot between price and efficiency is generally between 16 and 18.

Qualification Requirements for ENERGY STAR Certification

ENERGY STAR has detailed guidelines for companies that want to apply to have their products certified and labelled under the program.

In general, the qualifying traits for certification include:

  • Furnaces in Canada must have a minimum AFUE of 95 percent
  • Air conditioners must have a SEER of at least 15
  • The furnace or air conditioner must perform the same or better than others in its class
  • Furnaces must be covered by a limited warranty from the manufacturer
  • Heating and cooling units must be rigorously tested to ensure performance

In addition to these broad guidelines, Natural Resources Canada continuously monitors and revises their recommendations and eligibility criteria for each class of product. This is to ensure the guidelines stay current as technology progresses, meaning ENERGY STAR rated products are always some of the most efficient available.

ENERGY STAR Furnaces on the Market in Canada

BrandModelAFUE (%)Details
GoodmanGMVM9798Modulating gas valve with variable-speed blower motor and secondary heat exchanger
GoodmanGCVM9797Modulating with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
GoodmanGMVC96/GCVC9696Two-stage gas valve with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
GoodmanGMEC96/GCEC9696Two-stage with multi-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
GoodmanGMVS96-U/GMES96-U96Single-stage gas valve with multi-speed blower, secondary heat exchanger, and ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions
GoodmanGMES9696Single-stage with multi-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
LennoxSLP99V99Modulating with variable-speed blower; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020
LennoxSLP98V98.7Modulating with variable-speed blower; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2018
LennoxSL297NV97.5Modulating with variable-speed blower and ultra-low NOx
LennoxEL296E96Two-stage with constant torque motor
LennoxEL296V/ML296V96Two-stage with variable-speed motor
LennoxEL196E/ML196E96Single-stage with constant torque motor
LennoxEL195E95Single-stage with constant torque motor
LennoxEL195NE95Single-stage with ultra-low NOx
Carrier59MN7A98.5Modulating with variable-speed blower
Carrier59TN696.7Two-stage with variable-speed blower
Carrier59TP696.5Two-stage with variable-speed blower
Carrier59SC596.5Single-stage with multi-speed blower
AmanaAMVM9798Modulating with variable-speed blower
AmanaACVM9797Modulating with variable-speed blower
AmanaAMVC96/ACVC9696Two-stage with variable-speed blower and continuous circulation
AmanaAMVS96-U96Single-stage with variable-speed blower and ultra-low NOx
AmanaAMEC96/ACEC9696Two-stage with multi-speed blower
AmanaAMES9696Single-stage with multi-speed blower
AmanaAMES96 – U96Single-stage with multi-speed blower and ultra-low NOx
TraneXC95M97.3Modulating with variable-speed blower
TraneS9V2-VS97Two-stage with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
TraneS9V296Two-stage with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
TraneS9X296Two-stage with CTM blower and secondary heat exchanger
TraneS9X196Single-stage with ECM blower
KeepriteG97CMN98Modulating with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
KeepriteG96CTN96.7Two-stage with variable-speed blower
KeepriteG96VTN96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
Bryant987M98.3Modulating with variable-speed blower
Bryant986T96.7Two-stage with variable-speed blower
Bryant926T96.5Two-stage with variable-speed blower
Bryant925S96.2Single-stage with multi-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
Bryant915S96.5Single-stage with PSC blower
Napoleon9600Q96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
RheemR98V98.7Modulating with variable-speed blower
RheemR96V96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
RheemR95T95Single-stage with ECM blower
RheemR97V97Modulating with variable-speed blower
RheemR96T96Two-stage with constant torque ECM blower
RuudU98V98Modulating with variable-speed blower
RuudU97V97Modulating with variable-speed blower
RuudU96V96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
RuudR96T96Two-stage with multi-speed blower
RuudR95T95Single-stage with ECM blower
YorkYP9C98Modulating with variable-speed blower
YorkTM9V/TM9Y96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
YorkTL9E95Single-stage with ECM blower and ultra-low NOx
YorkTM9E95Single-stage with five-speed blower
American StandardPlatinum 9597.3Modulating with variable-speed blower
American StandardS9V2-VS97Two-stage with variable-speed blower
American StandardS9V2/S9X296Two-stage with variable-speed blower
American StandardS9X196Single-stage with constant torque ECM blower
Armstrong AirA97MV97Modulating with variable-speed blower
Armstrong AirA962V96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
Armstrong AirA962E96Two-stage with constant torque PSC motor
Armstrong AirA951E95Single-stage with constant torque PSC motor
HeilG97CMN98Modulating with variable-speed blower
HeilG96CTN96.7Two-stage with variable-speed blower
HeilG96VTN96Two-stage with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
DaikinDM97MC98Modulating with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020
DaikinDC97MC97Modulating with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020
DaikinDM96VE96Two-stage with multi-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
DaikinDM96SC-U96Two-stage with variable-speed blower and ultra-low NOx
DaikinDM96VC/DC96VC96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
DaikinDC96VE96Two-stage with multi-speed blower
DaikinDM96SE-U96Single-stage with multi-speed blower, secondary heat exchanger, and ultra-low NOX
DaikinDC96SE96Single-stage with multi-speed blower, secondary heat exchanger, and low NOx
DaikinDM96SE96Single-stage with multi-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
LuxaireLP9C98Modulating with variable-speed blower
LuxaireTM9V/TM9Y96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
LuxaireTL9E95Single-stage with ECM blower and ultra-low NOx
LuxaireTM9E95Single-stage with ECM blower
TempstarF97CMN98Modulating with variable-speed blower
TempstarF96CTN96.7Two-stage with variable-speed blower
TempstarF96VTN96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
PaynePG96VAT96Two-stage with variable-speed blower
PaynePG95ESA96Single-stage with five-speed ECM blower
PaynePG95XAT95.5Two-stage with multi-speed blower
ComfortmakerG97CMN98Modulating with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
ComfortmakerG96CTN96.7Two-stage with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
ComfortmakerG96VTN96Two-stage with variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger
ColemanCP9C98Modulating with variable-speed blower
ColemanTM9V/TM9Y96Two-stage with ECM blower and secondary heat exchanger
ColemanTL9E95Single-stage with ECM blower and ultra-low NOx
ColemanTM9E95Single-stage with ECM blower and secondary heat exchanger

Note that the available models may change at any time as manufacturers update models, release new ones and discontinue old ones.

ENERGY STAR Air Conditioners on the Market in Canada

BrandModelSEERDetails
Comfortmaker, KeepRite, and TempstarCVA9/TVA919Variable-speed compressor with variable-speed fan motor
Comfortmaker, KeepRite, and TempstarCCA7/TCA717Two-stage compressor with two-speed fan
Comfortmaker, KeepRite, and TempstarCSA6/TSA616Single-stage compressor with single-speed fan
Comfortmaker, KeepRite, and TempstarN4A717Two-stage with two-speed fan
Comfortmaker, KeepRite, and TempstarN4A617Single-stage scroll compressor with single-speed fan
Comfortmaker, KeepRite, and TempstarNXA616Single-stage scroll with single-speed fan
YorkYXV21 Variable-speed scroll with QuietDrive fan; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2018
YorkYXT19.75Two-stage scroll with QuietDrive fan
AmanaAVXC2024.5Variable-speed with variable-speed ECM blower and inverter motor; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020
AmanaASXC1819Two-stage with two-speed ECM fan
AmanaASXC1617Two-stage with two-speed fan
AmanaASX1616Single-stage with single-speed fan
GoodmanGSXC1819Two-stage scroll with two-speed ECM fan
GoodmanGSXC1616Two-stage scroll with two-speed fan
GoodmanGSX1616Single-stage with single-speed fan
TraneXV20i22Variable-speed
TraneXV1818Variable-speed
TraneXL18i18Two-stage with variable-speed fan
TraneXR1718Two-stage
TraneXR1416Multi-stage
TraneXL16i16.5Single-stage with single-speed fan
TraneXR16/Low profile17Single-stage
Carrier24VNA626Variable-speed
Carrier24VNA020.5Variable-speed; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2019
Carrier24ANB119Two-stage with variable-speed fan
Carrier24VNA919Variable-speed with variable-speed fan
Carrier24ANB7/24ANB7**C17Two-stage
Carrier24ANB6/24ABC616Single-stage
Carrier24ACC6/24APB617Single-stage
LennoxXC2526Variable-speed; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020
LennoxXC2121Multi-stage
LennoxSL18XC118.5Single-stage
LennoxXC2020Variable-speed; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020
LennoxXC1617.2Two-stage
LennoxEL18XCV18Variable-speed
LennoxEL16XC1/ML14XC117Single-stage
Lennox16ACX17Multi-stage
Armstrong4SCU20LX20Variable-speed scroll
Armstrong4SCU16LS16Two-stage scroll
Armstrong4SCU16LE/4SCU14LB16Single-stage
American StandardGold 1718Two-stage
American StandardSilver 1617Single-stage
American StandardSilver 1416Single-stage
Bryant186CNV26Variable-speed with variable-speed fan; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020
Bryant180C20.5Variable-speed with variable-speed fan; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2019
Bryant180B19Two-stage scroll
Bryant189BNV19Variable-speed
Bryant187B/187BNC/127A17Two-stage with PSC fan
Bryant126CNA/126B17Single-stage
Bryant186B/106A/116B16Single-stage scroll
Coleman And LuxaireAC21/AL2120Variable-speed; ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020
Coleman And LuxaireCC17/TC1717Two-stage
Coleman And LuxaireCC7/TC717Single-stage
PaynePA17NA17Two-stage scroll with single-speed fan
PaynePA16NA/PA16NW17Single-stage scroll with single-speed fan
Rheem and RuudRA20/ UA2020.5Variable-speed
Rheem and RuudRA17/ UA1717Two-stage scroll
Rheem and RuudRA16/RA14**W/RA1416Single-stage
Rheem and RuudRA1315.5Single-stage scroll

Note that the available models may change at any time as manufacturers update models, release new ones and discontinue old ones.

ENERGY STAR Certified Thermostats

Many HVAC manufacturers also make smart thermostats to pair with their heating and cooling systems, and smart thermostats are eligible for ENERGY STAR certification as well.

An ENERGY STAR smart thermostat is a great companion to a certified furnace and air conditioner, ensuring that you make the most of your high-efficiency HVAC system and save as much as possible on your monthly bills.

In fact, ENERGY STAR estimates you could save an additional 8 percent on your energy bills by installing a certified smart thermostat, and that works out to roughly $50 in annual savings.

FAQ

How do I know if an ENERGY STAR product includes a rebate or incentive?

The Government of Canada’s website includes a searchable directory of rebates and incentives for ENERGY STAR products. You can use this tool to search by sector, keyword, location, or source (such as municipal, federal, or provincial).

You can also check out our heating and cooling rebates page to see the various incentives available in each province, including utility company rebates.

Is it only gas furnaces that are ENERGY STAR qualified?

No. Many major manufacturers have designed energy efficient propane furnaces, which are particularly useful for people who don’t have access to a gas pipeline. Although the majority of ENERGY STAR certified furnaces are gas or propane, there are also some certified oil units available.

What’s the incentive for my business to seek ENERGY STAR certification for our products?

ENERGY STAR products are clearly labelled for consumers, and this will make your customers happy and make it easier for them to make purchasing decisions.
 
Further, your organization will be publicly committed to protecting the environment through your dedication to improving energy efficiency.
 
Finally, your business will gain access to partner-only informational seminars, events, and marketing materials.

ENERGY STAR Explained – Everything You Need to Know 1

A Simple Guide to Deciphering EnerGuide and ENERGY STAR Labels

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Table of contents

Purchasing a new appliance for your home is a large investment, not only because you have to budget for it, but also because you have to put in plenty of time and research to make sure you choose the right unit for your needs. For today’s consumers, one of the most important considerations when buying a new furnace or air conditioner is energy efficiency, and that’s where the ENERGY STAR® certification and Canada’s EnerGuide can help.

This guide will explain what ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide are, talk about what products are involved, and help you decipher EnerGuide and ENERGY STAR labels so you can make informed decisions about your HVAC system.

Did you know! FurnacePrices.ca is a proud participant of the ENERGY STAR program as an advocate promoting environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient heating & cooling solutions for Canadians.

The ENERGY STAR Certification Explained

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary certification and labelling program that was created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency back in 1992. Canada joined forces with the EPA in 2001 to administer the program for Canadian businesses through Natural Resources Canada.

To get ENERGY STAR certification, a company must provide test results proving that their product is in the top performance level in its category for energy efficiency. In turn, this means the product uses less energy when operating, has a lower cost to run, and produces fewer emissions.

ENERGY STAR has rigorous technical requirements in terms of efficiency, so looking for the logo is an easy way to identify high-performance products and appliances that are more environmentally friendly and cheaper to operate.

The program was originally to help consumers make more environmentally responsible purchasing decisions for office equipment like computers, but it quickly expanded to include a lot more.

Today, ENERGY STAR certifies thousands of products, and more than 1,000 Canadian businesses are participating in the program. Right now, you can get ENERGY STAR certified:

  • Heat pumps
  • Furnaces
  • Air conditioners
  • Homes and buildings
  • Appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines
  • Lightbulbs and lighting products
  • Windows, doors, and skylights
  • Ceiling fans
  • Boilers
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Smart thermostats

See our full ENERGY STAR Explained guide here

The Benefits of Choosing ENERGY STAR Furnaces, Air Conditioners, and HVAC Equipment

ENERGY STAR products tend to come with a higher price tag, and this leaves many consumers wondering if it’s worth the extra investment.

There are many benefits to buying an ENERGY STAR product versus one that doesn’t have the certification, so here’s a quick breakdown of the major advantages:

Energy-savings: Energy-efficient products use less energy to perform the same tasks as their conventional counterparts, so you need less power to run the same appliances.

Take an ENERGY STAR certified lightbulb, for example. It will use 90 percent less energy compared to a traditional bulb, and that’s 90 percent less energy you have to pay for.

Cost-savings: For most consumers, the major benefit of ENERGY STAR products is they cost less to operate because they require less energy. Put simply, although you may spend more up front for an ENERGY STAR appliance, you will recoup that cost (and more) over time thanks to lower utility bills.

In fact, ENERGY STAR estimates you could cut your overall energy bills by 30 percent by upgrading to certified appliances.

Environmental benefits: Products that require less energy to operate are less of a strain on the planet’s natural resources. When it comes to products that rely on fossil fuels, this translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint for your household.

What Is EnerGuide?

The EnerGuide program is a rating and labelling program that was created by the Canadian government to make it easier for consumers to compare and choose energy-efficient products.

Like the ENERGY STAR certification, the EnerGuide rating can be applied to anything from dishwashers to vehicles, but it’s also used for HVAC appliances like furnaces and air conditioners.

The EnerGuide label is required on certain energy-using products, including washers, dryers, and room air conditioners. On HVAC products like furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioners, EnerGuide labelling is voluntary.

Canada has efficiency regulations for all energy-using products, and the purpose of the EnerGuide label is to help consumers compare similar products.

But unlike ENERGY STAR, the EnerGuide label doesn’t automatically indicate that the product in question meets higher energy-efficiency standards than others. You have to read the EnerGuide label to determine how the product in question stands up.

Here’s what an EnerGuide label will tell you about an energy-using product:

  • The model number
  • The unit’s annual energy consumption in kilowatt hours
  • The efficiency range of similar products
  • How the model’s energy consumption compares to similar models
  • Whether the model has ENERGY STAR certification

ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide Labels for Furnaces

The efficiency of furnaces is measured with annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which is the amount of heat produced by a furnace compared to the fuel it consumes. The higher the AFUE, the higher the efficiency.

EnerGuide: A furnace’s EnerGuide label will tell you the model number, the AFUE of the model, as well as the AFUE range of similar products.

Canadian efficiency regulations dictate that indoor gas furnaces must have an AFUE of at least 90 percent. At the moment, the most efficient furnaces on the market have AFUE ratings of 99 percent (EnerGuide hasn’t yet caught up to the market, so the range on the labels maxes out at 98 percent).

ENERGY STAR: A gas furnace must have an AFUE of 95 percent or higher to obtain ENERGY STAR certification in Canada (or the northern U.S.). That means it uses 95 percent of the fuel it consumes.

ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide Labels for Air Conditioners

One popular way to calculate air conditioner efficiency is with something called seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which similarly measures cooling output versus energy consumed. The most efficient air conditioners have the highest SEER ratings.

EnerGuide: An air conditioner’s EnerGuide label will tell you the model number, the SEER rating of the model in question, and the SEER range for similar air conditioners.

Split system central air conditioners in Canada must have a SEER rating of at least 13, according to the energy regulations set by Natural Resources Canada. However, that rating is being increased to 14.

There are air conditioners available with SEER ratings as high as 27, but this tends to be overkill in Canada. For our milder summers, a SEER rating between 16 and 18 is usually enough, and provides a good balance between cost and efficiency.

ENERGY STAR: To achieve ENERGY STAR certification in Canada, an air conditioner must have a SEER rating of 15 or higher.

ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide Labels for Boilers

Boiler efficiency is also measured with AFUE, just as it is with furnaces.

EnerGuide: A boiler’s EnerGuide label will tell you the model number, the AFUE rating, and the typical AFUE range for similar boilers on the market.

Canada’s efficiency regulations say that gas boilers must be at least 80 percent efficient. The most efficient models on the market right now have AFUE ratings of 98 percent, while the majority are around 95 percent.

ENERGY STAR: A gas boiler in Canada must have an AFUE of 90 percent or higher to achieve ENERGY STAR certification.

ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide Labels for Water Heaters

Water heater efficiency is measured differently for electric models and gas/propane models.

Electric models measure efficiency with standby loss (in watts), so a lower number indicates better efficiency.

Gas and propane models can be measured in a couple ways. One is with energy factor (EF), which measures how much hot water the unit produces versus how much fuel it consumes, so the higher the number the better. A newer way to measure water heater efficiency is with uniform energy factor (UEF), where higher numbers are also better.

EnerGuide: The EnerGuide label on a water heater will first tell you if the unit uses electricity or gas/propane.

On electric models, the label will tell you the standby loss in watts and the range for similar models. On gas models, the label will tell you the EF rating, and give you the EF range of similar models.

Canada’s energy regulations dictate that on-demand gas water heaters must have a UEF of 0.86 or greater. This can be somewhat confusing because the EnerGuide label uses a different calculation. ENERGY STAR has switched to using UEF, and Natural Resources Canada will likely follow suit.

Furthermore, Canada has separate efficiency requirements for storage water heaters and electric water heaters.

ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR also has different certification criteria depending on the style of water heater you’re looking at, and you can check to see what’s available in Canada on their website.

The Importance of Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Canada is home to harsh, cold, and long winters that wouldn’t be tolerable without a home heating system. As such, it may come as no surprise that over 60 percent of the energy used in the average Canadian home goes toward space heating.

Similarly, although home cooling costs don’t account for nearly as much of the average energy bill in Canada, you can still reduce your energy costs by choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner. ENERGY STAR air conditioners are at least 20 percent more efficient than non-certified models, so there are a lot of potential savings to be had by upgrading.

With an energy-efficient HVAC system, you could save hundreds of dollars or more each year on heating and cooling bills alone, and you’d be doing your part to help the environment.

FAQ

How are energy-efficient products better for the environment?

All types of energy have an environmental impact. The impact of some energy sources is worse than others, with things like fossil fuels having the most negative effects. When you purchase products that are more energy efficient, you’re purchasing products that will use less energy, and that means fewer emissions and better news for the environment.

How is SEER different from EER?

EER stands for energy efficiency ratio, and it also measures the efficiency of air conditioners. The difference between SEER and EER is how the numbers are calculated. SEER is calculated using a range of temperatures to simulate the air conditioner coming on and shutting off throughout the day, and operating at varying temperatures throughout the season.

EER is calculated based on a constant temperature. SEER is good for comparing the performance of different air conditioners, while EER is better for calculating air conditioner sizing and determining how much you could save on energy bills.

Resources

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