Have you ever stopped and wondered what does Energy Star Rating mean? We see it everywhere we shop for major appliances these days, and there are many commercial reviews written that state you need to make sure you buy any appliance that is Energy Star rated; but what exactly does this standard accomplish for home owners in Arizona? Why is buying an Energy Star rated air conditioner, HVAC unit or heat pump system so critical? We’ve thought this too – and we’re going to answer all these important questions here today.

Question #1: What Does Energy Star Rating Actually Mean?

One of the programs our Federal Government has done well in recent years is the establishment of the Energy Star rating system. This means that an electrical-driven product has meet strict energy efficiency standards based on guidelines set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These standards are designed to test a major appliances ability to efficiently use energy to produce exceptional performance. This results in lower energy usage, but also a higher standard for performance. With heating and air conditioning units, Energy Star rated HVAC items not only save energy, but also help protect the environment by reducing more carbon pollution and reducing other greenhouse gas emissions.

Question #2: Why Should I Buy an Energy Star Rated Air Conditioner?

Another one of the most common parts of the what does energy star rating actually mean questions is why a home owner in Arizona should buy an Energy Star rated air conditioner. First and foremost, when you purchase an Energy Star qualified and rated air conditioner, you are buying a very reliable unit that will use at least 10 percent less energy for the same output of non-energy star rated air conditioners. This means your monthly energy bill will be reduced by at least 10 percent each month. Also, most Energy Star rated air conditioners come well equipped with extra options like digital display thermostats, timers, remote control options and optimized and directional vents designed to maximize efficiency and keep the home cooler while again, using less energy.

Question #3: I’ve Heard You Can Receive A Tax Deduction If You Buy Energy Star Rated Items. Is This True?

Yes – you have heard correctly. The US Federal Government passed a law a few years ago that provided a $300.00 tax credit to any home owner who purchased and installed an Energy Star rated HVAC unit in their primary residence. However, like any government program, there are restrictions you should be aware of in order to qualify.

• First; you need to buy and install the Energy Star rated item no later than December 31^st, 2013.
• Second; it must be installed in your primary residence. This could be a problem for some snowbirds if you don’t list your Arizona residence as the primary home on your previous tax returns.
• Third; there are restrictions on which Energy Star rated items qualify for Air conditioners. Split systems must have a SEER rating of 16 or above and package systems must have a SEER rating of 14 and above.

Although reading this blog is a great step to getting answers, the best way to get detailed answers to questions like what does energy star rating mean is to speak with a reliable and trustworthy air conditioning service repair and installation expert. They can easily help you find the right Energy Star rated product that will both save you money and help protect the environment we live.