Energy Tax Credits: Don’t Let the Upgrade Opportunity Pass You By

If you have been putting off a much-needed upgrade to your HVAC system, but are afraid to make the financial leap, here’s some good news for you. The 2013 federal energy tax credits are still available until the end of December. Let these credits ease the financial burden of upgrading to a more energy-efficient system. You can save money at …

How to Choose and Use the Ceiling Fans in Your Kansas City Home

Even with all of the advances in air conditioners in the last decade, one of the most effective ways to keep your home comfortable uses a very old technology – the ceiling fan.  With the wind-chill effect of moving air, the breeze produced by a ceiling fan can make a room feel like it’s three or four degrees cooler. That means …

Buying an Air Conditioner? In Addition to a High SEER Rating, Look for These 6 Key Features

What do you look for when buying an air conditioner? If you’re like most people, a good SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) tops the list. A high SEER rating means lower energy bills while maintaining peak home comfort. For the very best value, look for a 16 SEER or higher, Energy Star-qualified air conditioner for peak energy efficiency while cooling your Greater Kansas City …

Your Heat Pump Installation: Take Care Before It Goes in, and You’ll Be Pleased After It Goes On

Many homeowners don’t realize how important heat pump installation is to the performance of this major appliance. When all the factors that affect its performance are addressed, the system will deliver the efficiency it promises. The primary considerations before and during the installation include the energy efficiency of your home, the ductwork that delivers the conditioned air, and the placement …

Basic Insulation Types: Comparing For Best Value

Improving insulation is a great way to increase the energy efficiency of your home and lower your energy bills. Loose-fill insulation can be a great choice for retrofitting an existing home with improved insulation or for insulating oddly shaped areas. Cellulose and fiberglass are the two most common filler materials used. Both are best installed by professionals using a blower. This ensures they are …

Choosing Home Insulation? Look Carefully At The Differences Between Types

Choosing home insulation can be a challenge since it’s so important to select the right type. Even an energy-efficient furnace will have to work much harder if your home lacks good insulation. How do you know which is best for your home? What criteria needs to be met? Let’s look carefully at the main types of home insulation.

Sealing Those Costly Air Leaks In Your Kansas Home: The Right Caulk For The Job

We have mentioned in previous posts just how important it is to seal costly air leaks within your home, but do you know how to take care of this? Here’s a quick guide to choosing and using caulk for improving energy efficiency in your Kansas City-area home. Employed on concert with other weatherization techniques, proper caulking can help keep warm air inside during the winter …

Energy Vampires: Don’t Allow Them To Overpower Your Home

Most people are conscious about how much electricity they use, especially in the summer when the cooling system runs hard to keep you comfortable. But do you give energy vampires much thought? They drive up your electric bills without you even knowing it, and the worst part is that you get nothing from that lost power.