By Anne Fonda
DOE can stand for many things, but for HVAC purposes, it stands for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Created in 1977, the United States Department of Energy traces its roots to the Manhattan Project’s effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. The DOE oversees energy regulations and funding for various projects.
From their website: “The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.”
But what does that mean for your daily life? A lot, it turns out. Let’s take the example of your HVAC system.
Over the years, the United States Congress has passed several statutes authorizing the DOE to implement energy conservation standards and test procedures for residential products and commercial and industrial equipment.
That includes residential and commercial HVAC equipment. As recently as January 1, 2023, the DOE implemented new efficiency standards for newly manufactured HVAC equipment.
New equipment must be more efficient than older equipment. The DOE standards also upgraded testing methods for heating and cooling efficiency. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of a cooling unit measurement became SEER2. Similarly, the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) rating that measures a heat pump’s heating efficiency became HSPF2.
This is a good thing for you as a homeowner. Increased energy efficiency can translate to reduced energy consumption and cost savings on your energy bills.
Learn more about HVAC efficiency metrics and why they matter.
You may have heard of ENERGY STAR®, but you might not know that it’s a joint venture between the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ENERGY STAR® works with thousands of organizations to deliver cost-saving energy-efficient products to homeowners and businesses alike.
The blue ENERGY STAR® label indicates that a product is highly energy efficient. For our HVAC products, it can also mean a product is eligible for HVAC tax credits or heat pump rebates.
Learn more about ENERGY STAR®-qualified products and how they can help you save money on your energy bills.
Another thing the DOE does is provide a wealth of information to consumers to help save energy and save money on energy costs through its website energy.gov. Under the Consumer Savings section, you can find information on:
The Department of Energy is a reputable source of information for homeowners and businesses alike.
We can help. From a new heat pump system to a smart thermostat and everything in between, we have multiple tiers of energy-efficient HVAC equipment you can rely on for years to come.
Contact your local Trane dealer for a free quote as well as product recommendations suited to your needs and budget.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Michael Morey, Smart Thermostat Product Manager
ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program that helps businesses and individuals reduce their energy costs and protect the environment through energy efficiency.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) measures the efficiency of the cooling process in air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the system.
HSPF2, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, measures a heat pump’s overall energy efficiency throughout the entire heating season (fall and winter). The higher the HSPF2 rating, the more efficient the heat pump.
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