Natural Resources Canada
98/69
September 17, 1998
SOFTWARE HELPS CHOOSE ENERGY-EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT
Mont Tremblant — Shopping for an energy-efficient furnace, heat
pump or air conditioner has just been made easier. The second version of
Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) HVAC ADVISOR software, a part of the HVAC
Toolbox, compares the energy efficiency of heating, ventilating and
air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. The Toolbox is distributed by the Heating,
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) on behalf of NRCan's Office
of Energy Efficiency.
Version 2 was released today at the 30th annual meeting of the Canadian
heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. The software
is an interactive program that quantifies and predicts the heating and cooling
energy-cost savings and payback periods of higher efficiency HVAC equipment.
This will help purchasers to see the benefits of energy- efficient HVAC
equipment.
"Making careful choices about the technologies we want in our homes now
and in the future can have an important impact on the earth's atmosphere,"
said Ralph Goodale, Minister of NRCan. "Using the Toolbox, contractors can
help their customers choose the most energy-efficient equipment and save costs."
HRAI manages and delivers the EnerGuide HVAC rating system, including
training contractors in its use. This rating system is a standardized method of
comparing the energy efficiency of different models and brands of equipment.
The ratings, based on standard testing procedures established by accredited
certification organizations, allow consumers to compare the equipment they are
considering purchasing with the typical efficiency ratings of other equipment
sold in Canada.
"This unique industry-managed program is an example of how, by working
together, we can make a difference in reducing the amount of greenhouse gas
Canada produces," said Minister Goodale. "We must all do our part to
ensure that we leave a cleaner and healthier environment to future generations."
Version 2 of the software is quick, easy to use and features automatic
regional adjustments. It is now applicable to multi-unit housing in addition to
single detached dwellings, and to propane fuel sources.
"This new software will make it easier for contractors to assist their
customers in choosing the energy-efficiency product that meets their needs,"
said HRAI President Warren Heeley, "It will also provide contractors with
the sales tools to help them close the deal. And, if we can encourage more
consumers to purchase energy-efficient equipment that will save them money, we
all benefit."
HVAC Toolbox also contains sample consumer information sheets explaining
the EnerGuide rating system as well as its application to furnaces, air source
heat pumps, and air conditioners. Contractors can obtain these information
sheets from HRAI for distribution to consumers
For more information:
Natural Resources Canada
Office of Energy
Efficiency
EnerGuide HVAC Program
580 Booth Street, 18th Floor
Ottawa,
ON K1A 0E4
Fax: (613) 947-0373
Email:
ener.guide@nrcan.gc.ca
Web
site: http://hvac.nrcan.gc.ca
or
Heating,
Refrigeration and
Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI)
5045 Orbitor Drive
Building
11, Suite 300
Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y4
Tel: (800) 267-2231
or
(905)
602-4700
Fax: (905) 602-1197
Email: manuf@hrai.ca
Web
site: http://www.hrai.ca/manufacts.html
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