Heating, Cooling & Comfort - Choose a Products

Frequently Asked Questions

1. On what heating and cooling products would I find the EnerGuide Rating?
2. What is the difference between the EnerGuide label found on major household appliances and the EnerGuide rating for heating and cooling equipment?
3. What does it mean when there is an ENERGY STAR^® logo beside the EnerGuide rating at the back of manufacturers brochures?
4. Why is the EnerGuide rating for heating and cooling products on the back of manufacturers brochures?
5. How are EnerGuide ratings determined and who decides what number goes on the rating label?
6. Higher energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning systems often cost more to buy. Why would I want to buy one?
7. What is the best option?

1. Question:

On what heating and cooling products would I find the EnerGuide Rating?

The EnerGuide Rating label on heating and cooling products sold in Canada can be found at the back of product brochures for:

• gas and propane furnaces
• residential air conditioning systems
• air-to-air heat pumps

2. Question:

What is the difference between the EnerGuide label found on major household appliances and the EnerGuide rating for heating and cooling equipment?

There are four key differences between the EnerGuide label for major household and appliances and the EnerGuide rating for heating and cooling products:

• The EnerGuide rating for heating and cooling products is printed on the back of manufacturer's brochures because consumers are more likely to view product labels when buying these products. EnerGuide labels for major household appliances are affixed directly on the product.
• The EnerGuide rating for heating and cooling products shows the energy efficiency of the products; therefore, the higher the number, the more energy efficient the product. The EnerGuide label for appliances shows how much energy the appliances consume; therefore the lower the number, the more energy-efficient the appliance.
• An energy-efficient heating or cooling product would have the arrow closest to the right side of the horizontal bar. An appliance is more energy efficient if the arrow is closer to the left of the horizontal bar.
• The EnerGuide rating for heating and cooling equipment is voluntary. EnerGuide labels for major household appliances are required by law.

3. Question:

What does it mean when there is an ENERGY STAR^® logo beside the EnerGuide rating at the back of manufacturer's brochures?

The ENERGY STAR^® logo, found on packaging, literature, product advertising and in some cases, products themselves, means that the products are significantly more energy efficient than required under current federal standards. For example, central air conditioning systems with ENERGY STAR^® endorsed logos exceed existing federal standards by a minimum of 20 percent, and furnaces with the logo, exceed minimum standards by 15 percent. This means that the products have a higher level of energy efficiency than standard products found on the market today.

By choosing ENERGY STAR^® qualifying products, homeowners can use energy more efficiently, save money on utility bills, help make their homes more comfortable and reduce air pollution without sacrificing the features, versatility or style that they expect from high-performing products.

4. Question:

Why is the EnerGuide rating for heating and cooling products on the back of manufacturer's brochures?

Unlike major household appliances, which are usually purchased after the customer has personally examined the various models on the retail floor, furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioning systems are usually sold from brochures or product literature. Therefore, the brochure is the most suitable place to help consumers looking for energy efficiency ratings.

5. Question:

How are EnerGuide ratings determined and who decides what number goes on the rating label?

Like the EnerGuide appliance ratings, the numbers are the results of product testing using energy standards specified by Natural Resources Canada in the Regulations of Canada's Energy Efficiency Act, and then verified by agencies such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

6. Question:

Higher energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning systems often cost more to buy. Why would I want to buy one?

Buying a high-efficiency furnace, heat pump or air conditioner is an economically and environmentally responsible decision. Equipment with high energy efficiency ratings:

• use less energy, which helps conserve non-renewable resources and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
• accumulates savings over its lifetime from lower energy use
• has other advantages: they can cost less to operate, have more efficient motors and fans than standard efficiency systems
• sometimes has a longer and more comprehensive warranty

Use the interactive calculator to find out how much you can save by purchasing high-efficiency heating or cooling equipment.

7. Question:

What is the best option?

In the long run, the most energy-efficient unit is the best bet. A furnace, heat pump or air conditioner should last between 10 to 20 years, and the savings will accumulate with time. Savings would be even more meaningful should fuel or electricity rates rise.