AGENDA #5q
BUDGET WORKING PAPER
FROM: Tina Vaughn, Director, Housing Director
SUBJECT: Report on Use of Energy Efficient Appliances in the Public Housing Apartments
DATE: March 30, 2004
The purpose of this memorandum is to respond to a question asked at the February 27, 2004 budget work session.
During the February 27th budget work session, a Council Member inquired about the use of energy efficient appliances in public housing apartments. The Council member also inquired about the use of Energy Star products when replacing appliances in public housing apartments.
Description of the Energy Star Program
The Energy Star Program is a voluntary labeling program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency as a part of a national effort to conserve energy and preserve the environment. The Energy Star label helps consumers identify energy-efficient products that save energy and money, while protecting the environment.
Energy Star labeled refrigerators require about half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993. These refrigerators use about 15% less energy than comparable models meeting current federal standards. Energy Star labeled refrigerators use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and a precise temperature and defrost mechanism that improves energy efficiency.
It is estimated that the savings in utility costs would make up for the cost of the more expensive Energy Star labeled appliances.
Use of Energy Efficient Appliances in the Public Housing Apartments
None of the appliances currently in the public housing apartments meet the energy efficiency standards of the Energy Star Program. However, the appliances currently used in the public housing apartments meet or exceed federal efficiency standards. The appliances in the public housing apartments that have federal energy efficiency ratings are refrigerators, furnaces and air conditioners.
The refrigerators in all of the 336 public housing apartments were purchased since 1993. The furnaces in all of the apartments except the 26 at Airport Gardens were purchased since 1993. The furnaces at Airport Gardens will be replaced during upcoming renovations.
The following chart shows a comparison of the Energy Star standards, federal standards, and the energy efficiency of appliances currently used in public housing apartments.
Ratings For Appliances Used in Public Housing Apartments
|
|
Federal Requirements |
Housing Dept. Actual |
Energy Star Standard |
|||
|
|
Measure |
Cost |
Measure |
Cost |
Measure |
Cost |
|
Refrigerators |
a 477 kWh |
- |
a 447 kWh |
$306 |
a 380 kWh |
$372 |
|
Furnaces |
b 78% FUE |
- |
b 80% FUE |
$499 |
b 90% FUE |
$940 |
|
Air Conditioners |
c 9.7 SEER |
- |
c 10% SEER |
$576 |
c 12.0 SEER |
$816 |
Although the appliances currently used in the public housing apartments exceed the federal efficiency standards, they do not meet the standard of the Energy Star Program. During future comprehensive renovations, or routine replacement of appliances, we will purchase Energy Star labeled appliances.