Overview of Certification Process for ENERGY STAR Connected Thermostats

Process for Certifying Connected Thermostat Products (CTs)

1. Collect at least 12 months of interval data to demonstrate CT product field savings as outlined in Section 3.C of the ENERGY STAR Product Specification for Connected Thermostat Products Version 1.0 before seeking ENERGY STAR certification.
   1. Field data must include the following, as outlined in Section 3.C.1:
      1. Annual heating run time
      2. Annual cooling run time
      3. Average resistance heat utilization data for heat pump installations (must be collected for submission although there are no performance requirements for such in Version 1).
   2. Average resistance heat utilization data for heat pump installations must be collected for submission although there are no performance requirements for such in Version 1
   3. All installations of a product family, with the varied device/service within it, are considered as a single population for determining field savings.
      1. A product family is defined in the specification to be a group of closely related CT products sharing a primary strategy for delivering savings and using similar CT devices.
   4. Partners may propose an A/B Study, as outlined in Section 3.C.2, in lieu of meeting performance metrics. The study must be pre-approved by EPA.
      1. Field data as previously described must still be collected and submitted, but performance metrics need not meet criteria as outlined in the specification.
2. Apply to become an ENERGY STAR Partner (if not already)
   1. Apply as a Brand Owner Applicant/Partner and obtain a valid ENERGY STAR Organization ID (OID).
      1. Ensure that the organization is the brand owner of a connected thermostat service as defined in the current ENERGY STAR specification for Connected Thermostats
      2. Complete and return the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement and ENERGY STAR Participation Form (Brand Owner) to our online help desk. Note: Designation as an ENERGY STAR Partner is granted after at least one product is certified and offered for sale in the U.S. and/or Canada.
3. Generate field savings and device performance data through an EPA-recognized laboratory
   1. Use the ENERGY STAR Method to Demonstrate Connected Thermostat Field Savings to analyze and aggregate the collected 12-month field savings data, resulting in two output files. Note that Field data must show a % improvement over national averages as outlined in Section 3.C.1 for the following:
      1. Annual heating run time
      2. Annual cooling run time
   2. Facilitate testing of the thermostat device through an EPA-recognized laboratory approved to test Connected Thermostats
      1. Test procedures follow the most recent version of the  ENERGY STAR Product Specification for Connected Thermostat Products
      2. A first-party laboratory may be used for testing if enrolled in an EPA-recognized CB witnessed or supervised manufacturer testing laboratory (W/SMTL) program.
   3. Submit device test data, product documentation and the 2 output files (and the result of the A/B study, if using) to the CB for initial certification.
4. An EPA-recognized Certification Body (CB) approved to certify Connected Thermostats will determine whether your product meets the specification requirements. CBs review lab reports and field data to ensure devices meet the following criteria per the current Connected Thermostat specification:
   1. Functionality in absence of connectivity (Per Sections 4.D and 4.F)
   2. Static Temperature Accuracy (Per Sections 4.D and 4.F)
   3. Network Standby Average Power Consumption (Per IEC 62301, Ed. 2.0, 2011, Household electrical appliances – Measurement of standby power, subject to clarifications in Sections 4.D and 4.G)
   4. Time to enter Network Standby after user interaction (Per IEC 62301, Ed. 2.0, 2011, Household electrical appliances – Measurement of standby power, subject to clarifications in Sections 4.D and 4.G)
   5. Demonstration of field savings based on data collected in Step 1 (or the A/B Study, if accepted)