Rebates on Central Air Conditioning, PLUS new benefits to ensure quality installation!
COOL SMART with ENERGY STAR is a residential central air conditioning rebate program that promotes best installation practices, education, and training for HVAC technicians/contractors, and the sales and purchases of ENERGY STAR qualified high-efficiency air conditioning equipment.
QIV is a COOL SMART way to ensure quality and energy savings!
The Quality Installation Verification (QIV) analysis checks for proper refrigerant charge and air flow of the central air conditioner or heat pump systems. A COOL SMART trained air-conditioning technician who works for the installing contractor tests the system while it's running and takes a series of measurements which are analyzed via computer. Within a few minutes the homeowner knows how their system is performing.
Buy better, not bigger… sizing and other indicators to ensure quality and comfort
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Air conditioning units which are “oversized” in terms of cooling capacity typically cost more to purchase and operate. Oversized units cycle on and off too often and don't dehumidify correctly, which decreases comfort. Hiring a contractor who uses ACCA manual J version an equivalent “right sizing” method is important. Repairing or installing ducts to permit adequate airflow to match the “right sizing” will help maximize value, comfort and energy savings.
Measuring air flow to determine duct capacity is important as well in some cases duct modifications are not practical or cost effective in which case the capacity of the new system should be matched to the ducts. Click here for information about COOL SMART's Right Sizing Incentive.
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Additional indicators of a quality installation
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Include duct sealing, insulating and tightening your home, and perform combustion safety. Additionally, if your contractor employs technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), you know they've proven knowledge about how to size and install your system. The ENERGY STAR Guide to Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling provides more information and is available from COOL SMART and at www.energystar.gov/hvacguide.
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“Quality” Is More Than Just a Word - You Can Demonstrate it With QIV!
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Checking Airflow is Important!
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A recent New England study of air conditioning system refrigerant levels found that 31% were undercharged, while 28% were overcharged. This means that less than half of all units tested were properly charged. Charge can only be set properly with respect to airflow, which is not usually checked. Incorrect charge and/or airflow reduce energy efficiency, can lead to more callbacks and, ultimately, may result in shorter system life or compressor failure!
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“An efficient system starts with proper air flow.
Low air flow = low capacity = energy wasted,
compressing excess refrigerant. Cool the house,
don't flood the compressor.”
-Senior manager, compressor manufacturer
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Program Results
The COOL SMART program launched in 2004. By the end of 2007, 5892 customers received rebates totaling $2,223,816.
