Ductless split-system air conditioners and heat pumps can qualify under the ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioning (CAC) and Heat Pump specifications. Ductless split-system air conditioners and heat pumps, sometimes call mini-splits, are air conditioners or heat pumps that do not use ductwork for air distribution. Mini-splits are different than regular split-systems. They are used mostly for smaller area cooling. Some of these systems are capable of connecting to 2, 3 or even 4 indoor units to act as a single system. Mini-split systems are very common in Europe and Asia but are less than 5% of the US market.
Energy Star Tax Credit
Many people strive to live a more eco-conscious way of life. Living a greener lifestyle factors into multiple pertinent societal issues, from future planning to the planet’s wellbeing. For numerous years, people have pushed for more environmental-centered incentives, ensuring communities as a whole play their part in taking care of the earth. As part of the consistent fight for the environment, you can now claim a $300 energy star tax credit on qualifying HVAC systems.
Meet the Metrics
Heating and air-conditioning products pursuing ENERGY STAR certification are evaluated for how well they meet a handful of efficiency measurements, including their heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER). To fully understand the weight behind the ENERGY STAR label, let’s discuss what each term means.
HSPF measures a heat pump’s efficiency during heating season and is calculated by dividing the total heating output (measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs) by the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy consumed during the same period.
SEER is calculated with the same formula as HSPF but measures efficiency during cooling season. In a controlled environment, the tested heat pumps operate in a simulated cooling season with temperatures ranging from 65 to 104° F.
EER measures a heat pump’s cooling efficiency at peak outdoor conditions. The laboratory uses a simulated 95° F outdoor temperature and 50 percent humidity with an 80° F set point. BTUs are then divided by watts of energy used to find the EER.
Who Can Claim the Tax Credit?
All homeowners who recently purchased and installed an Energy Star–certified product qualify for the Energy Star credit.
If you’re in the market for a home appliance, air conditioner or heat pump system, you’ve likely seen the words “ENERGY STAR® certified.” Run by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ENERGY STAR program helps consumers save money and preserve the environment by choosing energy-efficient products. Thankfully, more new products than ever meet the certification’s stringent criteria, helping Americans reduce their carbon footprint.
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