A Guide to Energy-Efficient 

Heating and Cooling
Change the World,

Start with ENERGY STAR®

The average household spends more than $2,200 a 

year on energy bills, with nearly half of this going to 

heating and cooling costs. The U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) can help you make smart 

decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and 

air conditioning (HVAC) system that can help save on 

energy costs, improve your overall comfort at home, 

and help fight global warming.

Did you know the energy used in the average 

house is responsible for twice as many 

greenhouse gas emissions as the average car? 

When power plants burn fossil fuels to make 

electricity, they release greenhouse gases. By using 

less energy at home, you help reduce the emissions 

that contribute to global warming.

ENERGY STAR is the government-backed program 

that helps us all save money and protect our 

environment with energy-efficient products and 

practices. Whether you are looking for 

recommendations about energy-efficient equipment, 

getting a quality installation, HVAC maintenance, or 

ways to make your heating and cooling system 

operate more efficiently, EPA's ENERGY STAR 

program can help.

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2
4 – Why Read this Guide?

Review the checklist and learn how to improve the overall 

efficiency of your system.

6 – Maintain Your Equipment

Keep your heating and cooling system at peak 

performance with preventative maintenance.

8 – Use a Programmable Thermostat Properly

Learn how a programmable thermostat can help save 

money on heating and cooling costs.

10 – Seal Your Heating and Cooling Ducts

Improve your home’s duct system to increase your HVAC 

system’s overall performance and efficiency.

12 – Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR 

Make your home more comfortable by learning how to 

seal hidden air leaks and add insulation as necessary.

16 – Making a Change? Choose the Right Equipment

Know what to look for to get the most energy-efficient 

heating and cooling equipment.

18 – Work with a Heating and Cooling Contractor

Learn how to choose the right contractor and what to 

expect from him or her.

20 – Get an ENERGY STAR Quality Installation

Choose equipment that is properly sized for your home 

and make sure your contractor follows ENERGY STAR 

guidelines for a quality installation. 

Contents

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3
4

Why Read 

this Guide?

Use this guide to help you:

Learn how best to maintain your heating 

and cooling equipment.

Take steps around your home to improve 

the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Decide when it’s time to replace your old 

heating and cooling equipment with more 

energy-efficient equipment that has earned 

EPA's ENERGY STAR.
5

Consider Making a Change if Any of the 

Following Statements Apply 

Some of your rooms are too hot or cold. Inadequate air sealing or 

insufficient insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your 

heating and cooling system is, if your home is not properly sealed and 

insulated, you will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work 

harder. Learn more about how to “Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR” on 

page 12. 

Your home has humidity problems, excessive dust, or rooms that never 

seem to get comfortable. Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork might be the 

cause. See “Seal Your Heating and Cooling Ducts” on page 10. 

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.

In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating 

and cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient. See 

“Maintain Your Equipment” on page 6 or “Making a Change? Choose the 

Right Equipment” on page 16.

Your heating and cooling equipment is more than 10 years old. Consider 

replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment. And remember, high 

efficiency levels begin with ENERGY STAR. See “Making a Change? Choose 

the Right Equipment” on page 16.

You leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature. You could be 

missing a great energy-saving opportunity. You can set a programmable 

thermostat to adjust your home’s temperature at times when you’re regularly 

away or sleeping. See “Use a Programmable Thermostat Properly” on 

page 8.

You used EPA’s ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick (www.energystar.

gov/yardstick) to compare your household’s energy use to others across the 

country and your score is below five. That means you’re using and paying 

for more energy at home than most Americans. Visit the ENERGY STAR 

Home Advisor (www.energystar.gov/homeadvisor) to get recommendations 

for home improvement projects that will increase your score by improving 

your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. 
Check thermostat settings to ensure the heating and cooling system turns 

on and off at the programmed temperatures.

Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on 

motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause your system to operate 

unsafely and reduce the life of major components.

Lubricate moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors 

and increase the amount of electricity you use. Lack of lubrication can also 

cause equipment to wear out more quickly, requiring more frequent repairs 

or replacements. 

Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, 

furnace, and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). If plugged, the drain 

can cause water damage in the house, affect indoor humidity levels, and 

breed bacteria and mold. 

Overall System Maintenance Checklist

Your contractor should complete the following each spring and fall:

Change your air filter regularly. A clean filter will prevent dust and dirt from 

building up in the system, which can lead to expensive maintenance and/or 

early system failure. Check your filter every month, especially during winter and 

summer months, when use tends to be heavier. Change your filter if it's dirty—

or at least every three months.

Tune up your HVAC equipment. Proper maintenance by a qualified technician is 

one of the most important steps you can take to prevent future problems. 

Contractors get busy during summer and winter months, so it is best to check 

the cooling system in spring and the heating system in the fall. Plan the checkups around the beginning and end of daylight-saving time each spring and fall. 

For tips on hiring the right contractor, see page 18, “Work with a Heating and 

Cooling Contractor.”

Maintain 

Your Equipment

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6

Dirt and neglect are the top causes of heating and cooling 

system inefficiency and failure. To ensure efficient system 

operation, it’s important to perform routine maintenance.
7

Check system controls to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting 

cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts 

off properly. 

Inspect, clean, or change the air filter in your central air conditioner, furnace, 

and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this yourself. 

Depending on your system, your filter may be located in the duct system versus 

the heating and cooling equipment itself.

For Heating Systems:

For Cooling Systems: 

Clean indoor and outdoor coils before warm weather starts. A dirty coil 

reduces the system’s ability to cool your home and causes the system to run 

longer, increasing your energy costs and shortening the life of your equipment. 

Check your central air conditioner’s refrigerant charge and adjust it if 

necessary to make sure it meets manufacturer specifications. Too much or too 

little refrigerant charge can damage the compressor, reducing the life of your 

equipment and increasing costs. 

Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow. Proper 

airflow over the indoor coil is necessary for efficient equipment operation 

and reliability. 

Inspect the flue piping for rusting and any disconnections or evidence of 

back drafting.

Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat 

exchanger. Improper burner operation can be caused by a dirty burner or a 

cracked heat exchanger—either can cause the equipment to operate less safely 

and efficiently. Leaking gas (or oil) connections are also a fire hazard and can 

contribute to health problems. 

Additional System-Specific Maintenance Activities
.......................................................................................................................

Use a Programmable 

Thermostat Properly 

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are 

away from home during set periods of time throughout the 

week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a 

programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every 

year in energy costs.

How Do You Choose the Right One for You?

To decide which model is best for you, think about your schedule and how often 

you are away from home for regular periods of time—work, school, other 

activities—and then decide which of the three different models best fits 

your schedule:

7-day models are best if your daily schedule tends to change; for example, if 

children are at home earlier on some days. These models give you the most 

flexibility and let you set different programs for different days—usually with four 

possible temperature periods per day.

5+2-day models use the same schedule every weekday, and another 

for weekends.

5-1-1 models are best if you tend to keep one schedule Monday through Friday 

and another schedule on Saturdays and Sundays.

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8

Setting Time Setpoint Temperature (Heat) Setpoint Temperature (Cool)

Wake 6:00 a.m. < 70 ̊ F > 78 ̊ F

Day 8:00 a.m. Setback at least 8 ̊ F Setup at least 7 ̊ F

Evening 6:00 p.m. < 70 ̊ F > 78 ̊ F

Sleep 10:00 p.m. Setback at least 8 ̊ F Setup at least 4 ̊ F

Programmable Thermostat Settings

You can use the table below as a starting point for setting energy-saving 

temperatures, and then adjust the settings to fit your family’s schedule and 

stay comfortable.
9

Get the Greatest Benefit from Your 

Programmable Thermostat

Install your thermostat away from heating or cooling registers, appliances, 

lighting, doorways, fireplaces, skylights and windows, and areas that receive 

direct sunlight or drafts. Interior walls are best. 

Keep the thermostat set at energy-saving temperatures for long periods of time, 

such as during the day when no one is home and at bedtime.

Set the “hold” button at a constant energy-saving temperature when going 

away for the weekend or on vacation. 

Resist the urge to override the pre-programmed settings. Every time you do, you 

use more energy and may end up paying more on your energy bill. 

Use a programmable thermostat for each zone of your house if you have 

multiple heating and cooling zones. This will help you maximize comfort, 

convenience, and energy savings throughout the house.

Change your batteries each year if your programmable thermostat runs on 

batteries. Some units will indicate when batteries must be changed.

If you have a heat pump, you may require a special programmable thermostat to 

maximize your energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or contractor for 

details before selecting your thermostat.

If you have a manual thermostat, you can adjust the temperatures daily before 

you leave the house and when you go to sleep at night. Typically, adjusting 

temperatures 5 – 8 degrees (down in winter, up in summer) can help save 

energy if you are going to be away from home for several hours.
Ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout 

houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems. In 

typical houses, about 20 percent of the air that moves 

through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and 

poorly connected ducts. The result is an inefficient HVAC 

system, high utility bills, and difficulty keeping the house 

comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set.

Simple Steps to Improving Duct Performance

Because ducts are often concealed in walls, ceilings, attics, and basements, 

repairing them can be difficult. But there are things that you can do to 

improve duct performance in your house.

Start by sealing leaks using mastic sealant or metal (foil) tape and insulating 

all the ducts that you can access such as those in the attic, crawlspace, 

basement, or garage. Never use ‘duct tape,’ as it is not long-lasting.

Also make sure that the connections at vents and registers are well-sealed 

where they meet the floors, walls, and ceiling. These are common locations 

to find leaks and disconnected ductwork.

................................................................................................................................

Seal Your Heating 

and Cooling Ducts

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10

Working with a Contractor

Many homeowners choose to hire a professional contractor for duct 

improvement projects. Most heating and cooling contractors also repair 

ductwork. Look for a contractor who will:

Inspect the whole duct system, 

including the attic, basement, 

and crawlspace (if you have 

these). 

Evaluate the system’s supply and 

return air balance. Many 

systems have air return ducts 

that are too small.

Repair or replace damaged, 

disconnected, or undersized 

ducts and straighten out flexible 

ducts that are tangled or crushed. 

Seal leaks and connections with 

mastic, metal tape, or an aerosolbased sealant. 

................................................................................................................................
Seal gaps behind registers and 

grills where the duct meets the 

floor, wall, or ceiling.

Insulate ducts in unconditioned 

areas with insulation that carries 

an R-value of 6 or higher.

COMMON DUCT PROBLEMS

Include a new filter as part of any 

duct system improvement.

Use diagnostic tools to evaluate air 

flow after repairs are completed.

Ensure there is no back drafting of 

gas or oil-burning appliances, and 

conduct a combustion safety test 

after ducts are sealed. 

11

A Leaky, torn, and disconnected ducts

B Poorly sealed registers and grills

C Leaks at furnace and filter slot

D Kinks in flexible ductwork 

restricting airflow

A

A

A

B

B

B

C

D
Seal and Insulate 

with ENERGY STAR 

The exterior of your home—the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and 

floor—is called the “envelope” or “shell.” As a knowledgeable 

homeowner or with the help of a skilled contractor, you can save up to 

20 percent on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent on your 

total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating your home envelope. It 

will also make your home more comfortable and help your heating and 

cooling system run more efficiently.

To improve your home’s envelope, you can make these 

changes yourself:

If your attic is accessible and you like home 

improvement projects, you can Do-ItYourself with help from EPA’s DIY Guide to 

Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR. 

The Guide offers step-by-step instructions 

for sealing common air leaks and adding 

insulation to the attic to block heat loss in 

winter and heat gain in summer.

You can also hire a contractor who will use 

special diagnostic tools to pinpoint and seal 

the hidden air leaks in your home. A Home 

Energy Rater can help you find contractors 

that offer air sealing services in your area. 

Hidden Air Leaks

Be sure to look for and seal air leaks before you install insulation 

because it performs best when air is not moving through or around it. 

Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to 

feel—like those around windows and doors. But holes hidden in attics, 

basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems. Sealing these 

leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a great 

impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills.

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12

A Do-It Yourself Guide to Sealing

and Insulating with ENERGY STAR®
Homeowners are often concerned about sealing their house too tightly; 

however, this is very unlikely in many older homes. A certain amount of fresh air 

is needed for good indoor air quality, and there are specifications that set the 

minimum amount of fresh air needed for a house. If you are concerned about 

how tight your home is, hire a contractor, such as a Home Energy Rater, who 

can use diagnostic tools to measure your home's actual air leakage. If your 

home is too tight, a fresh air ventilation system may be recommended.

After any project where you reduce air leakage, have a heating and cooling 

technician check to make sure that your combustion appliances (gas- or oilfired furnace, water heater, and dryer) are venting properly. For additional 

information on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues related to homes, such as 

combustion safety, visit EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Web site at www.epa.gov/iaq.

COMMON DUCT PROBLEMS

13

COMMON AIR LEAKS
Adding Insulation

Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

There are several common types of insulation—fiberglass (in both batt and 

blown forms), cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam. Reflective 

insulation (or radiant barrier) is another insulating product that can help 

save energy in hot, sunny climates. When correctly installed with air 

sealing, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy bills 

during the hottest and coldest times of the year.

Insulation performance is measured by R-value—its ability to resist heat 

flow. Higher R-values mean more insulating power. Different R-values are 

recommended for walls, attics, basements, and crawlspaces, depending on 

your area of the country. Insulation works best when air is not moving 

through or around it, making it very important to seal air leaks before 

installing insulation to ensure that you get the best performance from 

the insulation.

To get the biggest savings, the easiest place to add insulation is usually in 

the attic. A quick way to see if you need more insulation is to look across 

your uncovered attic floor. If your insulation is level with or below the attic 

floor joists, you probably need to add more. The recommended insulation 

level for most attics is R-38 (or about 12 – 15 inches, depending on the 

insulation type). In the coldest climates, insulating up to R-49 

is recommended.

14
15

ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows

Windows are an important part of 

your home’s envelope. ENERGY STAR 

qualified windows feature advanced 

technologies such as invisible glass 

coatings, vacuum-sealed spaces filled 

with inert gas between the panes, 

improved framing materials, better 

weather stripping, and warm edge 

spacers, all of which reduce 

undesirable heat gain and loss.

Increase savings. With more efficient 

windows, you can save money and 

use less energy. Installing ENERGY 

STAR qualified windows can reduce 

energy bills by about 7 – 24 percent 

compared to non-qualified windows. 

Your estimated savings will vary 

depending on current heating and cooling costs in your region.

Improve comfort. ENERGY STAR qualified windows do more than just lower 

energy bills; they keep your home’s temperature consistently comfortable. 

During the winter, the interior glass of ENERGY STAR qualified windows stays 

warmer compared to typical windows, even when the temperature outside dips 

well below freezing. In the summer, most ENERGY STAR qualified windows 

reduce the heat gain into your home, without reducing the visible light.

Protect your valuables. Drapes, wood floors, a favorite photograph: all these 

things can fade or discolor after repeated exposure to direct sunlight. ENERGY 

STAR qualified windows have coatings that keep out the summer heat and act 

like sunscreen for your house, protecting your valuables from harmful, fading 

ultraviolet light without noticeably reducing visible light.

Look for the ENERGY STAR. The ENERGY STAR guidelines for windows are 

tailored to four climate zones. For example, windows in the North are optimized 

to reduce heat loss in the winter, while windows in the South are optimized to 

reduce heat gain during the summer. For optimal results, select ENERGY STAR 

qualified windows that are appropriate for your climate zone.

Multiple Panes

Low E-Coating

Gas Fill

Improved

frame materials
Making a Change? 

Choose the Right 

Equipment

If you’ve taken the steps outlined in the previous sections to improve efficiency 

and you continue to experience problems, or if your HVAC system is old 

(10 – 15 years) or not working, consider replacing your equipment with a highefficiency unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. It’s a good idea to do some 

research on options for a new heating or cooling system before your current 

one breaks, so you can make an informed decision if you need to act quickly.

How much energy you save will vary based on your use and climate, with 

colder regions saving more with ENERGY STAR heating equipment and hotter 

regions saving more with ENERGY STAR cooling equipment.

Furnaces are the most commonly used residential heating system in the 

United States. Running most often on gas, but sometimes on oil, 

propane, or electricity, furnaces deliver their heat through a duct 

system. Furnaces that have earned the ENERGY STAR have higher AFUE 

(Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings. AFUE is the measure of 

heating equipment efficiency, represented as a percentage. Most 

furnaces that can qualify for the ENERGY STAR will be “condensing” 

furnaces where the transfer of heat is so thorough water or condensate 

is a byproduct of combustion. This condensing occurs with systems 

over 90 percent efficient. Another feature of efficient furnaces is a 

highly efficient blower motor (commonly an ECM, Electronically 

Commutated Motor, or another type of “advanced main air 

circulating fan”).

Furnaces

A boiler heats your home by burning gas, propane, or oil to heat water or 

steam that circulates through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor 

systems. Boilers do not use a duct system. Boilers that have earned the 

ENERGY STAR have higher AFUE ratings. Features that improve boiler 

efficiency include electronic ignition, which eliminates the need to have 

the pilot light burning all the time, and technologies that extract more 

heat from the same amount of fuel. 

Boilers

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16
Most residential central air conditioners are called “split-systems” 

because they have an outdoor component with a condenser and 

compressor and an indoor component with an evaporator coil. It’s very 

important to replace both of these units at the same time. Installing a 

new outdoor unit without replacing the indoor unit is likely to result in 

low efficiency, and may lead to premature failure of the system. 

ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners have higher SEER 

(Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) 

ratings than today’s standard models. SEER is the most commonly used 

measurement of efficiency for air conditioners. It measures how 

efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season. EER 

measures how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the 

outdoor temperature is at a specific level (95 degrees F). 

The central air conditioner also needs a blower motor—which is usually 

part of the furnace—to blow the cool air through the duct system. The 

only way to ensure that your new air conditioner performs at its rated 

efficiency, is to replace your heating system at the same time. It’s 

especially recommended if your furnace is over 15 years old. If you 

purchase a new energy-efficient air conditioner but connect it to an 

older furnace and blower motor, your system will not perform to its 

rated efficiency.

Central Air Conditioners

Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling in one integrated system. 

Electric Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs). ASHPs, often used in 

moderate climates, use the difference between outdoor and indoor air 

temperatures to cool and heat. ENERGY STAR qualified ASHPs have 

higher SEER and EER ratings than conventional models. They also have 

a higher Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which 

measures the heating efficiency of the heat pump. 

Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs). GHPs are similar to air source heat 

pumps, but use the ground instead of outside air to provide heating, 

cooling, and often water heating. Because they use the earth's natural 

heat, they are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and 

cooling technologies currently available. Although initially expensive, 

you can achieve significant cost savings on energy bills. GHPs are most 

often installed in new homes and require a duct system. 

Heat Pumps

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17
Work with a Heating 

and Cooling Contractor 

Whether you want to schedule an annual equipment 

maintenance check-up or you’ve decided that you need to 

purchase and install new heating or cooling equipment, 

you will need to hire a contractor. 

............................................................................................................................

Perform an on-site inspection of the work you want completed and provide a 

detailed bid in a timely manner. 

Demonstrate to you that the company is licensed and insured to repair and 

install heating and cooling equipment (many states require this). 

Be able to provide his/her certification for refrigerant handling, required 

since 1992. 

Have several years of experience as a business in your community. 

Provide examples of quality installation of energy-efficient heating and/or 

cooling equipment work, with names of customers that you can contact. 

Complete and submit the warranty information card on your behalf. 

Leave all equipment manuals and provide documentation of installation 

procedures, including sizing calculations, AHRI certificate, and records of any 

measurements or testing.

Clearly explain the benefits of regular maintenance and help you set up a 

schedule to keep your system operating at its best.

Choose the Right Contractor 

A reputable contractor should:

......................................................................................

The following sections will help you find the right contractor, get quality and 

value from the contractor and your new equipment, and get a signed agreement 

on the work to be done. Many of the following recommendations also apply if 

you choose to work with a contractor to make other home improvements such 

as home sealing or duct work. 

18
19

List in detail all the work that is being contracted and show you a layout of 

where the equipment is going to be installed. 

Specify all products by quantity, name, model number, and energy ratings. 

Provide manufacturer’s warranty, equipment documentation, and contractor 

installation warranty information (if applicable). 

Give the payment schedule. 

State the scheduled start and completion date. 

Describe how disputes will be resolved. 

State the contractor’s liability insurance and licenses if required. 

Outline paperwork and permits needed for the project. 

Sign an Agreement Before Work Begins

Both you and your contractor should sign a written proposal 

before work gets started. The agreement or proposal should:
Get an ENERGY STAR 

Quality Installation

Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient 

models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the 

new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can 

reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent—costing you more on your utility 

bills and possibly shortening the equipment’s life.

Make sure to ask your 

contractor if his or her 

work meets ENERGY 

STAR Quality Installation 

guidelines. These 

guidelines, based on the 

Air Conditioning 

Contractors of America’s 

(ACCA) quality installation 

specification, require:

Proper Sizing 

of Equipment

Installing the right size equipment for the home is essential to getting the best 

performance and comfort. Many homeowners believe that bigger is always 

better when buying new heating and cooling equipment. In reality, a system 

that’s too large will not keep your home comfortable because of frequent ‘on/off’ 

cycling. Incorrect sizing can also put stress on system components and shorten 

the equipment’s life. With an ENERGY STAR Quality Installation, your contractor 

will make sure that you get a system that is the right size for your home.

Sealing Ducts

To help ensure that your new system delivers the heated or cooled air to all the 

rooms of your home, contractors using ENERGY STAR Quality Installation 

guidelines will evaluate your duct system to identify leaks, and then seal them 

using mastic, metal-backed tape, or an aerosol-based sealant. In some 

instances, your contractor may advise you that it is necessary to replace or 

add ducts. 

...........................................................................................

Quality Installations Deliver Your Equipment’s 

Full Potential, Many Installations Do Not

100%

95%

90%

85%

80%

75%

70%

65%

Incorrect 

Refrigerant Charge 

+ Low Airflow

+ Incorrect Sizing

+ Duct Leakage

Incorrect 

Sizing + Duct 

Leakage 

Installed to

ENERGY STAR

Guidelines

Cooling/Heating

 Delivered

Duct 

Leakage

20
When installing your new heating and cooling equipment, your contractor should do the following to ensure a quality installation:

Provide adequate room around the equipment for service and maintenance. 

Install and set up a programmable thermostat (if not already in use).

Show you how to change the filter(s).

Test and verify proper airflow (if a furnace or heat pump). 

Verify that your furnace or boiler has been tested for proper burner operation 

and proper venting of flue gases. The vent piping should be inspected for leaks 

or deterioration and repaired or replaced as necessary. 

Install a properly matched indoor coil when replacing an outdoor unit. An old 

coil will not work efficiently with a new outdoor unit. 

Confirm that the level of refrigerant charge and the airflow across the indoor 

coil meets the manufacturer’s recommendation. It’s estimated that more than 

60 percent of central air conditioners are incorrectly charged during installation. 

Place the condenser in an area that can be protected from rain, snow, or 

vegetation, as specified by the manufacturer. If you have a central air 

conditioning unit, cover your outside equipment during the winter to protect it 

from snow and ice. Heat pumps need to be left uncovered to properly operate 

during the winter. 

Quality Installation Checklist

Ensuring Proper Refrigerant Charge

Incorrect refrigerant level can lower efficiency by 5 – 20 percent and can 

ultimately cause premature component failure, resulting in costly repairs. With 

an ENERGY STAR Quality Installation, your contractor will verify that the 

refrigerant level in the system is correct.

Optimizing Air Flow

If air flow in your heating and cooling system is too high or too low, you may 

experience comfort problems and higher utility bills. With an ENERGY STAR 

Quality Installation, your contractor will test air flow and make any needed 

adjustments for optimal performance.

When purchasing heating and cooling equipment, choosing energy-efficient 

products is a step in the right direction. However, asking the right questions of 

your contractor and making sure your equipment is properly sized and installed 

are also important elements to ensure that your new system performs at 

optimal efficiency. 

21

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency encourages everyone to save 

money and fight global warming through energy-efficient products and 

practices. Learn more at energystar.gov.

Join the fight against global warming:

take the ENERGY STAR pledge.

Post this checklist where it can be a daily reminder to save energy, save money, 

and help fight global warming with ENERGY STAR. Then go to energystar.gov/

changetheworld and tell us the steps you plan to take.

At Home, I PLEDGE TO:

Change a Light: Replace at least one light in my home with an ENERGY STAR 

qualified one. Buy ENERGY STAR qualified holiday lights. 

Choose ENERGY STAR qualified products: TV, DVD player, home theater in a 

box (sound system), clothes washer, dishwasher, refrigerator.

Choose ENERGY STAR qualified equipment for my home office: computer, 

monitor, multi-function device, fax, ink-jet printer. 

Enable my ENERGY STAR computer and monitor to sleep while I’m away.

Set or program my thermostat to save energy while I’m asleep or away 

from home.

Have my heating and cooling equipment tuned-up by a professional and 

change my air filter.

Seal obvious leaks and repair disconnections in my home’s duct system.

Seal my home’s envelope (outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors) 

with caulk, spray foam, and weather stripping, and add insulation to 

the attic.

At Work, I PLEDGE TO: 

Use a power strip as a central turn off point for all my office equipment to 

completely disconnect from the power supply.

Unplug electronics once they are charged.

Keep air vents clear of paper, files, and office supplies.

Create a Green Team with my co-workers to help build support for 

energy efficiency. 

Talk to my boss about earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR for our building.
For more information 

visit www.energystar.gov

Office of Air and Radiation 

(6202J)

EPA 430-K-09-004

August 2009

United States

Environmental

Protection Agency

Recycled/Recyclable - Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 50% Post-consumer Content)