Before You Buy Know These HVAC System Terms: AFUE, SEER, and HSPF

What do all those acronyms mean and why does terminology matter when you’re thinking of making an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) purchase? The short answer is that these terms have a great deal to do with rating efficiency of the products — including air conditioners, furnace, and heat pumps — that are essential for home comfort.

Your Energy-Efficient Home: When All Systems Are in Sync

Have you noticed that when your healthy eating, sleeping and exercise habits are in sync, your body feels energized and efficient? Your home isn’t all that different. When all of its systems are up to date, properly maintained and working together, your home benefits from whole-house efficiency. Fall is a good time to perform an energy audit, and make the necessary …

Replacing Your Water Heater? Here’s What To Compare

If your water heater is more than 10 years old and showing signs of aging, such as needing frequent repairs or leaking, it’s probably time to buy a replacement. Since water heaters are the third largest energy expense in most homes, after heating and cooling, replacing your water heater with a newer, more efficient model will provide significant savings on …

Want To Perform Your Own Energy Audit? Use This Tool

If you’re concerned about heating your home this winter, take a little time and do an energy audit. The U.S. Department of Energy makes it easy for you to perform your own, by providing an online tool that shows how your home stacks up, compared to others in the area. By plugging in some specifics, the tool tells your rating on the …