At Big Red Home Comfort, we are committed to helping our customers save money and stay comfortable year-round. Choosing Energy Star® certified products is one of the best ways to achieve both. Here are the most common questions we hear from homeowners about Energy Star. 1. What does it mean if a product is "Energy Star® Certified"? Energy Star is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. In Canada, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) administers the program. When you see the blue Energy Star label on a furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump, it means that unit has been strictly tested to meet or exceed high efficiency specifications without sacrificing performance. 2. Why should I care about Energy Star certification? There are three main reasons: Lower Utility Bills: Energy Star products use significantly less energy than standard models. For example, a certified central air conditioner uses about 8% less energy than a standard model. Better Comfort: These units often feature advanced technology (like variable-speed motors) that provides more consistent temperatures and better humidity control. Environmental Impact: Using less energy reduces your home’s carbon footprint, helping protect the Canadian environment. 3. Will an Energy Star unit really save me that much money? Yes! While high-efficiency equipment might have a higher upfront cost, the "invisible savings" on your monthly bills add up quickly. If you are replacing a furnace or A/C unit that is 10–15 years old, a new Energy Star model can reduce your energy consumption by up to 30%. 4. What is the difference between "Energy Star" and "Energy Star Most Efficient"? Think of "Most Efficient" as the "best of the best." Every year, Energy Star identifies the top-performing products in each category. If you want the absolute highest level of energy savings and the most advanced technology available on the market, look for the Energy Star Most Efficient label. 5. Are there rebates available for Energy Star products? Often, yes! Many federal, provincial, and municipal programs (as well as local utility companies) offer rebates specifically for Energy Star certified upgrades—especially for heat pumps and high-efficiency furnaces. Tip: Ask the team at Big Red Home Comfort about current rebates available in your area today! 6. Does the installation matter, or just the Energy Star label? The installation is just as important as the equipment. To get the actual efficiency listed on the Energy Star label, the system must be sized correctly for your home and installed by professionals. At Big Red Home Comfort, we perform full home load calculations to ensure your new system is perfectly matched to your space. 7. How do I know if my current equipment is Energy Star certified? Look for the blue Energy Star logo on the manufacturer's nameplate or the yellow EnerGuide label. If your system is more than 10 years old, it likely does not meet today’s Energy Star standards and could be costing you hundreds of dollars in wasted energy every year. 8. Which products do you offer that are Energy Star certified? We carry a wide range of certified equipment, including: Furnaces and Boilers Central Air Conditioners Air-Source Heat Pumps Smart Thermostats Water Heaters Ready to upgrade your home comfort? Contact Big Red Home Comfort today for a free estimate. We’ll help you find the right Energy Star certified solution for your home and your budget. Book an Estimate