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The Knowledge Base has 560 support references, created by support professionals who have resolved issues for our customers. It is constantly updated, expanded, and refined to ensure that you have access to the very latest information. Begin by browsing folders on the left side of this site.
  1. Air Conditioners (Room Air Conditioners)
  2. Should I turn off my Room Air Conditioner when I'm not home? 
  3. Are there ENERGY STAR qualified ductless split-system air conditioners (mini splits)?
  4. Are there ENERGY STAR qualified portable room air conditioners?
  5. How do I choose the right size Room AC?
  6. Why should I choose an ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioner?
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  1. Clothes Washers
  2. I am planning to buy a large capacity, energy efficient washer this year and want to make the best choice. Do you have any advice?
  3. My new ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer runs much longer than my old clothes washer. How is that saving energy?
  4. What does a “+” or  “*” mean on an ENERGY STAR product list?
  5. Is there an ENERGY STAR label for clothes dryers?
  6. What are “Modified Energy Factor” and “Water Factor” on the ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers list?
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  1. Dishwashers
  2. I looking for an energy-efficient dishwasher and want to make the best choice. Any advice?
  3. How much water do ENERGY STAR dishwashers use? Is there a water-efficiency metric (“water factor”) for ENERGY STAR dishwashers like there is for ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers?
  4. What is a standard sized dishwasher?
  5. What is a soil-sensing dishwasher?
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  1. ENERGY STAR General/Misc
  2. Is every ENERGY STAR labeled product on your Web site? I've been told a product I bought is ENERGY STAR, but it's not on your list. How up-to-date is your Web site?
  3. Can I get an electronic file of all ENERGY STAR products? I know the individual product lists are on the website, but I want all products in one file.
  4. How do I order ENERGY STAR Publications?
  5. What are energy vampires and what can I do about them?
  6. Are there ENERGY STAR labeled dehumidifiers?
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  1. ENERGY STAR Products
  2. What types of roofs can qualify for the ENERGY STAR label?
  3. Is there ENERGY STAR imaging equipment (printer, scanner, fax, copiers)?
  4. What is HVAC?
  5. As a manufacturing partner, when will my recently qualified product appear on the ENERGY STAR website?
  6. How long does it take to test and certify a product?
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  1. Heating and Cooling
  2. Can I add new insulation on top of old insulation?
  3. What's the difference between a split system and a packaged unit?
  4. What is SEER? EER? HSPF?
  5. I’ve heard setting a programmable thermostat back during the day does not save on energy costs because you use at least as much energy as you’ve saved getting your house back up to the desired temperature. Is this true?
  6. Should I cover my outdoor AC condenser unit in the winter?
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  1. Home Improvement
  2. Can I add new insulation on top of old insulation?
  3. What is "Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR?"
  4. How do I know if I need a new heating and cooling (HVAC) system?
  5. Should I install an insulating blanket on my water heater?
  6. Should I get my air ducts cleaned?
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  1. Insulation (Seal and Insulate)
  2. Can I add new insulation on top of old insulation?
  3. What is "Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR?"
  4. Should I install an insulating blanket on my water heater?
  5. Should I get my air ducts cleaned?
  6. Where are the biggest air leaks in my home?
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  1. Lighting (CFLs, Bulbs, Fixtures)
  2. Can I turn my Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) on and off frequently? I've been told I have to turn it on and leave it on all day.
  3. If a light fixture is rated for a maximum 75 watts with an incandescent bulb, does that mean I am limited to a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL) with the equivalent light output to a 75-watt incandescent? Or, can I use a CFL that is the equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent as long as it uses less than 75 watts of power?
  4. Can Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) be used in recessed cans, outdoor lights, or track lighting?
  5. I hear incandescent light bulbs are being phased out? Is that true?
  6. I want to start replacing my "regular" (incandescent) light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Should I throw away my incandescent bulbs now or wait until they burn out?
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  1. New Homes
  2. I am building a new home, can I qualify for any of the tax credits?
  3. I am building a new home and would like it to be ENERGY STAR. What steps do I need to take to have this done?
  4. Is there a tax credit for ENERGY STAR new homes?
  5. How can I become an ENERGY STAR builder?
  6. Are there rebates for buying ENERGY STAR qualified home?
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  1. Partnering with ENERGY STAR
  2. Which companies are ENERGY STAR Partners?
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  1. Portfolio Manager
  2. Can I apply to earn the ENERGY STAR for an office building that isn't 100% occupied?
  3. How long is ENERGY STAR certification valid on a building?
  4. What is the difference between LEED and ENERGY STAR?
  5. What types of buildings can be evaluated with Portfolio Manager?
  6. What is the definition of "Data Center"?
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  1. Programmable Thermostats
  2. I’ve heard setting a programmable thermostat back during the day does not save on energy costs because you use at least as much energy as you’ve saved getting your house back up to the desired temperature. Is this true?
  3. I know that programmable thermostats aren’t right for everyone. Do you have recommendations on what type of households are best suited?
  4. How much should I put back my heat or air conditioning while I’m gone during the day?
  5. What temperature should I set my air conditioner during the summer (or my heat during the winter)?
  6. I have base board water heat (boiler) in my home.  Would it be beneficial to use a programmable thermostat?
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  1. Refrigerators
  2. What's more energy efficient, a refrigerator with a top-mounted freezers, bottom-mounted freezer, or a side-by-side?
  3. My refrigerator is very old, but still works fine. Is it worth it to replace it with a new, ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator? If I get a new refrigerator, what should I do with my old one? It still works - should I recycle it or donate it?
  4. Can I put a refrigerator in an uninsulated garage which is subject to winter and summer extreme temperatures?
  5. The list of ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators shows a column with the heading “adjusted volume.” What does that term mean?
  6. Is it more efficient to have a through-the-door ice dispenser or to not have one and open the freezer door to get ice?
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  1. Target Finder
  2. Can I use Target Finder for LEED documentation?
  3. What if my building type is not listed in Target Finder?
  4. At what point during a design project is a building no longer eligible for the Design to Earn the ENERGY STAR certification?
  5. How does the EPA Target Finder rating compare with ASHRAE 90.1?
  6. How do I obtain the final energy numbers for Section 4 in Target Finder?
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  1. Tax Credits/ Rebates/ Financing/ Grants
  2. How do I apply for the tax credit? What tax form do I need for the energy efficiency tax credits?
  3. What is a Manufacturer's Certification Statement? Where can I find it?
  4. Have the tax credits been extended for 2012?
  5. What is a "principal residence?"
  6. Where can I find information about the 2010 ENERGY STAR appliance rebates?
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  1. The ENERGY STAR Pledge
  2. How can I get free CFL bulbs to give away?
  3. Why should I promote or use CFLs when they contain mercury?
  4. What is the "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" campaign?
  5. What is an umbrella pledge driver for the "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" campaign? And how do I become one?
  6. What are the benefits of participating as a pledge driver for the Change the World, start with ENERGY STAR campaign?
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  1. Windows/ Doors/ Skylights
  2. What brands or models of windows, doors, and skylights are ENERGY STAR qualified?
  3. Is there a tax credit for windows, doors, and skylights?
  4. Is there a tax credit for sliding glass patio doors?
  5. What is a U-Factor in terms of window efficiency?
  6. What is an ENERGY STAR qualified window?
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  1. Third-Party Certification
  2. When did the ENERGY STAR Third‐Party Certification requirements go into effect?
  3. Will products I qualified prior to January 1, 2011 have to be retested after the effective date in order to remain qualified?
  4. How do ENERGY STAR partners qualify products under the third‐party certification requirements?
  5. How can an ENERGY STAR manufacturing partner add new models to previously-qualified product families after 1/1/11?
  6. Can I just test my product in an EPA‐recognized laboratory and send the result to a certification body (CB)?
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  1. Recycling
  2. My refrigerator is very old, but still works fine. Is it worth it to replace it with a new, ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator? If I get a new refrigerator, what should I do with my old one? It still works - should I recycle it or donate it?
  3. How should Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) be disposed? Do they need to be recycled?
  4. Should I recycle my used electronics, such as TVs and computers?
  5. Do incandescent bulbs need to be recycled?
  6. Should I donate or recycle my old computer?
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  1. Unit Shipment Data (USD)
  2. If I am a roof products manufacturer, should I report data for coatings and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) in gallons or square feet?
  3. What if I am an international company and ship ENERGY STAR qualified products outside of the United States?
  4. Where do I send my completed unit shipment data collection form?
  5. How can I obtain a copy of the ENERGY STAR Unit Shipment Data (USD) collection form?
  6. What happens if I do not submit data by March 1?
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