In theory, ACCA’s specification for a quality installation of HVAC equipment makes perfect sense. Do the job right, the customer is happy and the contractor provides a valuable service.
But how will it work in the real world? Is it worth the extra time and effort for contractors? Will customers understand and appreciate the difference? How important is ENERGY STAR®’s endorsement of quality installation?
To answer these questions, ENERGY STAR is conducting a pilot study in the Pacific Gas & Electric service territory. About 100 PG&E customers are having HVAC installations done according to the requirements set forth in the ACCA specification. They are being told that contractors are installing their system to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines and will receive an ENERGY STAR certificate after the system has be verified.
All work is being verified by an independent third party and approximately one-quarter of the installations will have follow-up inspections. ENERGY STAR marketing materials are used to explain and market the concept (and benefits) of a quality installation.
“Our goal is to get feedback on the ACCA specification and overall program design,” said Dale Hoffmeyer of EPA. “We’re doing this pilot to learn as much as we can about the ACCA specification before putting forth a proposal for an ENERGY STAR quality installation program. We’ll also learn about the effectiveness of the ENERGY STAR marketing materials.”
Feedback will be provided to ENERGY STAR by the contractors performing the work. In addition, PG&E will survey customers to determine satisfaction with the job and understanding of quality installation. ENERGY STAR’s goal is to launch a quality installation program in 2007.
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