NEMA and the Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) struck an agreement to promote programmable thermostats that have earned the Energy Aware certification. NEMA launched the Energy Aware certification, labeling and marketing program for thermostats last June to help distributors, contractors, retailers and consumers identify programmable thermostats that are designed and built to reduce household energy bills without sacrificing the performance of heating and cooling systems or individual comfort. The first Energy Aware labeled products will appear on the market later this year.

“HARDI and our member distributors are excited about the opportunity to work with NEMA on promotion of Energy Aware thermostats,” says HARDI Executive Vice President and COO Talbot Gee. “It is important for distributors to be able to rely on certification programs such as Energy Aware to help their customers easily identify products that meet their HVAC and energy performance needs.”

“Energy Aware thermostats are, in part, required to achieve better temperature control, which allows for reduced room temperature swings, resulting in less energy usage,” adds NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis. “The NEMA Energy Aware program will label only programmable thermostats whose manufacturers certify they meet high standards for usability, HVAC system control and temperature accuracy.”

To learn more about Energy Aware, visit www.getenergyaware.com.