ENERGY STAR certification: the key to most savings programs.

Before you explore rebates or utility incentives, understanding ENERGY STAR is the right place to start.

Nearly every government rebate program and utility incentive for home heating and cooling equipment has one thing in common: they require the system you install to be ENERGY STAR certified.

It's not a brand. It's not a feature you pay extra for. It's an independent certification run by the U.S. Department of Energy that indicates a system has been tested and proven to use significantly less energy than standard equipment.

This page explains what ENERGY STAR certification means, what the efficiency ratings on HVAC equipment tell you, and which Concord systems carry the certification.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992. It was designed to help consumers identify products that use meaningfully less energy than comparable products that meet only the minimum federal standards. Learn more about Energy Star at energystar.gov.

When a product earns the ENERGY STAR label, it means:

• An EPA-recognized laboratory has independently tested it
• An EPA-recognized certification body has reviewed it
• It meets or exceeds efficiency thresholds set by the Department of Energy that go beyond the legal minimum

The ENERGY STAR label is not self-reported by manufacturers. It is earned through third-party verification. That independence is why government agencies and utility companies use ENERGY STAR certification as the standard for determining what qualifies for rebates and incentives.

For heating and cooling equipment, ENERGY STAR certification is the clearest signal that a system is built to the efficiency level required by most savings programs.

Verify ENERGY STAR certified products at energystar.gov

The official ENERGY STAR product finder lets you confirm certification for any specific equipment model.

Why ENERGY STAR certification matters for your wallet

Rebates and utility incentives are designed to encourage homeowners to choose more energy-efficient equipment. To ensure the money goes to genuinely efficient products, most programs set ENERGY STAR certification as their baseline requirement.

• HEEHRA point-of-sale rebates (the federal rebate program for income-eligible homeowners, administered by states) require ENERGY STAR certified equipment
• State and utility rebates in most programs reference ENERGY STAR certification or the efficiency thresholds that define it as a qualifying standard

The opposite is also true: if you install a system that doesn't carry ENERGY STAR certification, most of these savings programs will not apply, regardless of how new or capable the system is. Verify certification before you buy, not after.

Ask your dealer which ENERGY STAR-certified systems qualify for current programs in your area. See Choosing a Dealer for how to find one.

What the efficiency ratings on your equipment mean

When you're looking at HVAC equipment, you'll see efficiency ratings listed alongside each product. Here's what the three main ratings mean in plain language.

The "2" at the end of SEER2 and HSPF2 reflects updated testing methods introduced in 2023 that more accurately reflect real-world operating conditions. Older equipment listed with SEER or HSPF ratings (without the "2") was measured under the previous test standard and is not directly comparable.

You don't need to memorize these numbers. What matters is that your dealer can confirm whether the systems they're recommending carry ENERGY STAR certification and therefore meet the efficiency thresholds most incentive programs require.

What makes a system ENERGY STAR certified?

For heating and cooling equipment, ENERGY STAR certification requires systems to meet efficiency thresholds that go beyond the federal minimum. The specific thresholds vary by equipment type and region and are updated periodically by the EPA. As a general guide:

• Air-source heat pumps must meet SEER2 and HSPF2 thresholds that exceed federal minimums. Higher-efficiency heat pumps, particularly those rated for cold climate performance, often qualify for the most valuable incentive programs
• Gas furnaces must achieve AFUE ratings that exceed the federal minimum. High-efficiency furnaces at 95% AFUE or above typically qualify

For matched systems where an outdoor unit is paired with a specific indoor air handler or coil, both components must be rated together as a matched system to qualify. Your dealer manages this detail during equipment selection.

ENERGY STAR certification requirements are set and updated by the U.S. Department of Energy. For current thresholds and the official certified product list, visit energystar.gov.

Concord and ENERGY STAR

Concord designs and engineers equipment built to meet the demands of real homes, reliable performance, consistent comfort, and the efficiency levels that matter for homeowner savings.

A range of Concord heating and cooling systems carry ENERGY STAR certification, including:

• Heat pump systems across multiple efficiency tiers, including models that qualify for the higher-efficiency thresholds required by federal and state incentive programs
• Gas furnaces, including high-efficiency models with AFUE ratings that meet or exceed the thresholds required for most incentive programs

Your Concord dealer can identify which specific models carry ENERGY STAR certification, confirm the efficiency ratings, and provide the manufacturer certification documentation you may need for rebate applications.

Equipment models and certification status can change as product lines are updated. Always verify ENERGY STAR certification for the specific model being installed using the official product finder at energystar.gov or by requesting documentation from your dealer.

Your dealer can show you ENERGY STAR-certified options, confirm your current eligibility for incentives, and provide documentation. See Choosing a Dealer for instructions on how to find one.

How to use this when you're ready to buy

You don't need to become an HVAC expert before talking to a dealer. Knowing a few basics puts you in a much stronger position. Here's a practical checklist:

• Ask your dealer which systems carry ENERGY STAR certification. Don't assume, confirm. Not every system qualifies, and not every model within a qualifying product line meets every incentive program's threshold
• Ask about current incentive programs in your area. Your dealer knows which state and utility rebate programs are currently active and which systems qualify. Your dealer stays current, so you don't have to
• Request manufacturer certification documentation. If you are submitting a rebate application, your dealer can provide ENERGY STAR certification for the specific model being installed.
• Keep all paperwork. Save your contractor invoice, ENERGY STAR certification, and any documentation your dealer provides. You'll need this for rebate applications and your tax return
• Confirm incentive eligibility with a tax professional. Concord does not provide tax advice. Program rules and availability can change. A qualified tax professional can confirm what you're eligible to claim based on your specific situation

Ready to find an ENERGY STAR certified system?

A Concord dealer can walk you through certified equipment options, help you understand what incentives are available in your area, and make sure you have everything you need to claim the savings you qualify for.