Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program - Idaho Power

Annual Savingsfor cooling your home based onthe efficiency of a matched system50%59%47%0%8 SEER20%33%38%43%10 SEER 12 SEER 13 SEER 14 SEER 15 SEER 16 SEER 19.5 SEER*Minimum efficiency established by the Department of Energy. Potential energy savings may vary depending on your personallifestyle, system settings, equipment maintenance, local climate, actual construction and installation of equipment and duct system.CID#48837/2K/05-08 © 2008 Idaho PowerChart provided by Trane.comPrinted on recycled paper.COMFORTHeating & CoolingEfficiency Program

Replacing your air conditioning unit or installing a new heat pump isoften an unplanned purchase. The typical lifespan of an air conditioneris approximately 15 years, which means if you haven’t alreadyexperienced buying a new unit, you may at some point in the future. Purchasinga new air conditioner or heat pump doesn’t have to be an intimidating process.This booklet is designed to help you shop smart by showing you how moreenergy efficient heating and cooling equipment can improve the overall comfortof your home.Did you know that up to half of your home’s energy costs may be going directlyto heating and cooling? With Idaho Power’s Heating and Cooling EfficiencyProgram, Idaho Power customers that are Idaho residents can get cash backthrough incentives on qualified equipment and services—you can also reduceyour monthly utility bills and save energy.You can earn incentives several ways:• Upgrade your central air conditioner to a more efficient model• Upgrade your heat pump or electric heating system to a moreefficient heat pump• Purchase an evaporative cooler• Tune up your central air conditioner or heat pumpIncentive amounts vary, depending on the system upgrade you choose.Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractors who participatein Idaho Power’s program can help you determine the system that is right foryour home. Read on for tips on how to select the air conditioner, heat pumpand contractor that is right for you. For program details, turn to page 13 or visitwww.idahopower.com/heatingcooling.How to choose a new airconditioner or heat pump.1Consider if you need new heating or cooling equipmentHow do you know when it’s time to change your heating and cooling system?Consider replacing the system if:• the rooms in your home are too hot or cold;• you are consuming more energy than usual; or• your heat pump, air conditioner or furnace is more than 15 years old.23

central air conditioners have incorrect refrigerant charge during installation.Incorrect refrigerant levels can lower the energy efficiency of the unit by five to20 percent and can ultimately cause premature component failure—resultingin preventable costly repairs.*To effectively remove heat and cool your home, and to ensure your airconditioner or heat pump operates as it was designed, the proper amount ofairflow through your ducts is critical to equipment performance. Too much ortoo little airflow can reduce the efficiency of your system and affect the comfortlevels of your home.Ask your contractor to measure theairflow over the indoor evaporatorcoil. To qualify for an Idaho Powerincentive the new equipment mustdeliver the proper amount of airflow.Ask your contractor to see the resultsof the airflow test performed on yourequipment when it is installed. Also,confirm with your contractor that theexisting ductwork will be adequate toobtain the proper airflow. In some cases, additional ductwork may be neededto ensure proper airflow.A properly installed, highefficiency heating and coolingsystem can save up to 20percent or more on heatingand cooling costs.Tune-UpsJust like a car needs to have its oil changed and brakes checked on a regular basis,your heating and cooling system needs periodic tune-ups. They can extend thelife of your system and help avoid costly repairs. In addition to helping yoursystem continue to run smoothly, tune-ups may be eligible for an Idaho Powerincentive.A proper tune-up, with a participating contractor, should include:• Thermostat operationand day/time check• Air filter inspection andreplacement if necessary• Fan belt check (if applicable)• Indoor fan check (if needed)• Reversing valve check (for heat pumps)• Loop fluid level check(for geothermal heat pumps)• Outdoor unit coil cleaned (if needed)• Wiring and connections check• Line and control voltages check• Compressor contactor check• Condensate pump anddrain line check• Refrigerant charge test• Airflow test performed8*Source: ENERGY STAR®, www.energystar.gov9

Tips on choosing a contractor12345678Select a participating program contractor to qualify for an Idaho Powerincentive. To obtain a list of participating HVAC companies visitwww.idahopower.com/heatingcooling or call toll-free 1-866-692-9176.Contractors who are “participating companies” have attendedprogram–sponsored training and are knowledgeable in the properinstallation and sizing techniques that are important to energy savings.Check that the contractor holds an Idaho State HVAC contractor or specialtycontractor certificate. You can find out about certification requirements forcontractors in Idaho at the State of Idaho Division of Building Safety Website, https://www.dbs.idaho.gov/edbspublic.Ask for referrals from friends, neighbors and co-workers.Ask contractors for customer references and call those references.The contractor should spend time inspecting your current system andassessing your needs. For example, the size of the heating and coolingsystem should be based on the size of your house, level of insulationand type and location of windows. A good contractor will inspect yourduct system for air leaks and measure airflow to make sure your system ismeeting manufacturer specifications. Ask questions about sizing, refrigerantand airflow, make sure you understand how they can affect the efficiencyof your system.Get a written and itemized estimate based on an on-site visit to your home.Price estimates based purely on the square footage of your home will notensure that you get a properly sized system. Be sure to compare cost,energy efficiency and warranties. The lowest price might not be thebest deal if it’s not the most efficient option, because your energy costscould be higher.Always have a signed written proposal with the contractor before workbegins.The proposal should specify costs, equipment model numbers, jobschedules and warranty information. Never let a job begin without one.Check to see if any permits are needed and make sure your contractorsecures those permits before work begins. For example, if you live in anarea governed by homeowner association rules that require approvalfor installing and/or changing out an HVAC system, you should obtainapproval prior to starting the work.1011

Heating and Cooling EfficiencyProgram detailsWhat qualifies?Incentives apply to:• Upgrading your central air conditioner to a more efficient model• Upgrading your heat pump or electric heating system to a more efficient heat pump• Purchasing an evaporative cooler• Having your central air conditioner or heat pump tuned-upNote: To qualify for an incentive, work must be performed by a participatingcompany for all incentive measures except evaporative coolers. Equipmentmust also be sized and installed properly.How much are the incentives?For a current list of incentives, visit www.idahopower.com/heatingcooling.Who can participate?For the most current information on eligibility to participate, please visitwww.idahopower.com/heatingcooling.How do I get my incentive?• Purchase energy efficient equipment that meets program requirements.• Select a participating company in the Idaho Power Heating and CoolingEfficiency Program and inform them you would like to participate in theIdaho Power program.• Go to www.idahopower.com/heatingcooling.• Find the incentive application form that applies to your project.• Follow the “How to receive your incentive” instructions on the form.• Complete and submit the incentive application form and attachments.• Customers with eligible projects will receive their incentive check sixto eight weeks after the incentive application is received and informationhas been verified.1213