Home Heating

The average home spends about $1,900 annually on energy bills. Heating and cooling accounts for as much as half of a home’s energy use.

The EPA provides important recommendations for energy efficient heating equipment, including proper sizing, qualityheater installation and heater maintenance, and other home improvement considerations to help you get the most out of the heating system you purchase, save energy, and save as much as 20% annually on your total energy costs.

Whether you’re replacing heating equipment, in your current home, or planning the installation of equipment in a new home, choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products can help keep your home comfortable year-round and contribute to a cleaner environment. Talk to your HVAC contractor about Furnaces & Heat Pumps that are ENERGY STAR qualified.

ENERGY STAR qualified products prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

You may want to consider making a change in your heating equipment if:

1. Some of your rooms are too hot or cold.

Duct problems, inadequate air sealing or insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated against air leakage, you will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work harder.

2. Your home has humidity problems and/or excessive dust.

Poorly operating or improperly sized equipment could be to blame. Leaky ductwork can also cause these problems, so having it sealed may be a solution. Monthly maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment’s filters may also help.

3. Your cooling system is noisy.

Your duct work could be improperly sized or there may be a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

4. Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.

In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating and cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient.

5. Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 12 years old.

Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment.

6.Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.

Consider replacing with energy efficient equipment. ENERGY STAR has set high efficiency guidelines for both furnaces and boilers.