This toolkit highlights research and tools within the HVAC quality installation and quality maintenance space that can be used to integrate QI/QM practices into their existing efficiency program offerings. This research can be referenced to justify CRM savings algorithms, to understand best practices and standards and to choose an optimal HVAC performance verification tool. This toolkit was created to accompany MEEA’s QI/QM Implementation Guide, which can be accessed here.
Field Studies
Energy Savings from System Efficiency Improvements in Iowa’s HVAC SAVE Program
Study of 48 existing homes examining the prevalence of installations faults which found that an average of 10% of the space heating energy from the furnace was not reaching the conditioned space. Download resource.
Improving Installation and Maintenance Practices for Minnesota Residential Furnaces, Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
Research study conducted by Seventhwave that focuses on savings associated with Quality Installation and maintenance of residual equipment. This study indicates 9/10 heat pumps and central air conditioners have an installation issue that, when addressed, would result in 12% energy savings. 1/6 of the analyzed systems had a savings potential greater than 25%. Access resource.
Assessment of HVAC Installations in New Homes
Report prepared by Proctor Engineering Group that examines the HVAC systems in 22 new construction homes, finding that overall, duct insulation levels were inadequate, resulting in up to 16% cooling energy loss and that central air conditioners generally had insufficient air flow and were frequently undercharged. Download resource.
Laboratory Tests
Improving Gas Furnace Performance: A Field and Laboratory Study at End of Life
MEEA, as part of the PARR team, identified 12 furnaces of various ages and efficiencies. They took them to test for steady-state efficiency and AFUE in a lab. Prior to removal, airflow, static pressure, equipment temperature rise and flue loss measurements were recorded for each furnace. Test results showed that steady-state efficiency was 6.4% lower than that measures for the same furnaces under standard conditions in the lab. Download resource.
Sensitivity Analysis of Installation Faults on Heat Pump Performance
The National Institute of Standards and Technology assessed the impacts of heat pump installation faults, finding that by reducing airflow by 36% in the Chicago area, energy usage increased by 13%. Additionally, duct leakage, oversizing, and refrigerant overcharge contributed to an increase in overall energy consumption. Download resource.
Demand-side Research and Resources
California HVAC Quality Installation and Quality Maintenance Customer Decision-Making Study
Through research, focus groups, interviews and surveys EMI Consulting analyzes the barriers and drivers behind customer purchasing decisions surrounding Quality Installation and Quality Maintenance installed HVAC equipment. Download resource.
Case Studies
Getting the Right Fit with Quality Installation
Describes customer experience of having an ENERGY STAR rated Central Air Conditioner installed through the ENERGY STAR Quality Installation program, resulting in increased comfort and efficiency. Download resource.
A Case Study in Market Transformation for Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, this case study describes the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (MEEA’s) HVAC SAVE program. Download resource.
Residential HVAC Quality Installation: New Partnership Opportunities and Approaches
Describes various Quality Installation program approaches and offers potential expanded program components to engage multiple stakeholders. Download resource.
Standards and Guidelines
HVAC Quality Installation Specification – ANSI/ACCA 5 QI
ANSI-recognized standard that outlines specific steps a contractor must take to ensure a quality HVAC installation. This standard is widely accepted by the industry. Access resource.
Measure Guideline: High Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces
Includes lab-based research on the AFUE of high efficiency furnaces that were either oversized or had high external static pressure to determine if/how those factors influenced performance. Download resource.
Quality Maintenance of Residential HVAC Systems – ANSI/ACCA 4
Standard which outlines maintenance inspection tasks and recommended corrective actions to maintain residential HVAC systems. The standard includes checklists for inspection of typical residential HVAC systems to meet minimum maintenance requirements. Access resource.
Verification Tools
HVAC Verification Tools Selection Guide
A matrix developed by the U.S. Department of Energy comparing the various verification tools and resources. Categories include Capacity, Load and Design Calculation Tools, 14/7 Hardware and Sensors, 14/7 SAAS Data Analytics and Firmware, Hand Tools and System Analysis and In-Field Duct Diagnostic Tools. Download resource.
HVAC Quality Installation Verification Protocols
Associated with the ANSI/ACCA 5 QI standard, this details the requirements, roles and obligations to properly verify installations that follow ANSI/ACCA 5 QI. The standard permits two levels of verification, including an Installation Checklist Verification and a Field Verification. Access resource.
Homeowner Tools
A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling
A guide developed by ENERGY STAR that outlines proper HVAC care and maintenance and encourages homeowners to have an ENERGY STAR Quality Installation when it is time to replace old equipment. Access resource.
Fact Sheets
AC Quality Installation Fact Sheet
Developed by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), this outlines the benefits of have a Quality Installation conducted on a central air conditioner. Download resource.
Are we missing any resources?
Help us improve this toolkit. Send any HVAC QI/QM resources you think we should add to Kara Jonas.