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Oversizing cooling equipment: a costly mistake
The
guidelines offer a simple look-up procedure to assist equipment specifiers, HVAC
contractors, home installers, retailers, manufacturers, and electric utility staff
select heat pump and air conditioner capacity for new manufactured homes. The
guidelines were developed to help eliminate the all-too-common problem of choosing
equipment with far more cooling capacity than the home needs.
Oversized
HVAC equipment is recognized as a common industry problem that erodes energy efficiency
and lowers customer satisfaction. Consumers overpay in two ways. First, they are
buying equipment that has more cooling capacity and is more expensive than they
need. Second, once installed, oversized equipment cycles on and off frequently,
shortening equipment life, lowering efficiency, and increasing power bills. Oversized
equipment also can lead to moisture problems within the home.
 | The
Sizing Table |
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY
STAR is a nationally recognized, voluntary labeling program designed to identify
and promote energy-efficient homes, buildings, and products to consumers and business
owners across the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responsible
for administering the ENERGY STAR for Homes program. An ENERGY STAR qualified
home is at least 30% more energy efficient in its heating, cooling and water heating
than a comparable home built to the 1993 Model Energy Code. This increased level
of energy efficiency is met by successfully integrating an energy efficient building
envelope (effective insulation, tight construction, advanced windows), energy
efficient air distribution (air-tight, well-insulated ducts), and energy efficient
equipment (space heating and cooling and hot water heating).
ENERGY STAR
qualified homes typically require less cooling capacity because their high insulation
levels and tight construction slow the transfer of heat from outside into the
home, and their tight air distribution systems minimize the loss of conditioned
air from the ducts.
For additional information and materials on the ENERGY
STAR qualified manufactured home program, click here.
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Map |
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