In an attempt to save the public money on ever-rising energy costs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its plans to update the Air-Source Heat Pump and Energy Star Version 4.1 Central Air Conditioner specifications. These revisions will improve energy efficiency standards and provide noticeable cost savings to the average user. Although the new federal regional efficiency standards will not go into effect until January 1st of 2015, the basic framework of Version 5.0 is already available for review online.
How will these revised standards affect the average American? New requirements are designed to save customers money through proper installation and regular maintenance. To do so, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will make minor changes to current guidelines that must be observed by homeowners and professionals in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. Energy Star’s standards will support peak performance of these appliances all year-round.