Heating & Cooling

Programmable thermostats are a vital part of managing home heating and cooling costs. Current models offer multiple daily programs that automatically increase or decrease the desired temperature of your home and the energy used to heat and cool based on when you'll be away from home or asleep. They are easy to install and work with existing heating and cooling systems.

25% of furnaces found in American households are over 20 years old, despite the government's suggested maximum lifespan of 15 years. The proper sizing and maintenance of a home's furnace can increase efficiency and lower bills. Space heating is also an alternative for heating odd rooms and supplementing central heat to keep costs low.

Air conditioning is generally viewed as a necessary evil for the sake of maintaining a comfortable home air temperature in warm months. Although air conditioning consumes a substantial amount of energy (especially when compared to a ceiling fan), there are energy efficient models on the market in that reduce bills and some that even are eligible for federal tax credit.

Room air conditioning is often a good solution for homeowners who do not want to pay to cool their entire home. Energy efficient models on the market today use at least 10% less energy than conventional models.

Heat pumps are among the newest energy-efficient solutions for home heating and cooling, but are often not cost effective for existing homes. Heat pumps provide both heat and air conditioning by reversing direction based on the season. They are good for moderate temperatures, but generally require supplementation in extreme cold.

Water heating accounts for 13-17% of the average utility bill. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a wide array of energy efficient models are now available. These models are 10-30% more efficient than they where 20 years ago. Another savings option is an insulating blanket, which should be added to any water heater tank that is warm to the touch. Precut blankets are very low cost and may be installed with ease.

Home heating and cooling can account for as much as 50% of a household’s energy bills. Effectively managing your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems requires no sacrifice of comfort, yet can have a massive impact on energy bills. Furthermore, HVAC adjustments can be made in small steps, making it the perfect solution for homeowners who are looking to make gradual, yet tangible improvements in their energy efficiency.