Heating and ventilation systems are essential components for conserving energy.

Heating

Your home's heating system consumes the most energy and costs the most money compared to all other systems; it typically accounts for 42% of your monthly utility bill.

By properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment, you can save money and improve your comfort regardless of the type of heating system in your home. However, keep in mind that an energy-efficient furnace alone will not have the same impact on your energy expenses as a whole-house approach.

Combining proper equipment maintenance and enhancements with recommended insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings can save approximately 30 percent on your energy bill while reducing your carbon footprint.

Heating Tips

Set the temperature on your programmable thermostat as low as is comfortable during the winter and reduce the temperature when you are asleep or absent.
Furnace filters should be cleaned or replaced monthly or as instructed.
As required, clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators; ensure they are not obstructed by furniture, carpet, or curtains.
Once or twice per season, remove confined air from hot-water radiators; consult a professional if unsure how to perform this task.
Between exterior walls and radiators, install heat-resistant radiator reflectors.
After cooking or bathing, turn off kitchen, bathroom, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes; consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models when replacing exhaust fans.
During the winter, keep the drapes and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight into your home and closed at night to reduce the chill caused by chilly windows.

Choose energy-efficient products when purchasing replacement heating equipment. Your contractor should be able to provide you with energy fact sheets for various varieties, models, and designs to assist you in comparing energy consumption. Refer to the efficiency standards for information regarding minimum ratings and seek the ENERGY STAR symbol when purchasing new products.

Heating Systems

Solar Active Heating

Live in a cold climate but receive a great deal of sun? Active solar heating may be the most cost-effective method of residential heating. Find out more.

Heating by resistance to electric current

Electric resistance heating can be costly, but it may be suitable if you heat a room infrequently or if it would be costly to......Find out more

Furnaces and Boilers

A furnace or boiler heats most American households, and high-efficiency models of all furnace and boiler varieties are available. Is it time? Find out more

Wood and Pellet Heating

Looking for an efficient and renewable method of home heating? Wood and pellets are renewable fuel sources, and contemporary wood and pellet furnaces are...Find out more

Heat Distribution Systems

Does your property have an adequate heat distribution system? Discover various distribution systems. Find out more

Radiant Heating

Forget about cold surfaces in the winter. Radiant heating is an option for efficient and comfortable heating. Find out more

Mobile Heaters

Looking for a cheap method of heating a room? Portable heaters are helpful for occasional or supplemental heating but require installation and operation...Find out more

Heat Pump Systems

Heat pumps offer an efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners in climates with moderate heating and cooling requirements. Find out more

Cooling

Although air conditioning may be your first thought for cooling, numerous alternatives provide cooling with less energy consumption.

In all but the hottest climates, appropriate insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, daylighting, shading, and ventilation will typically keep homes cool with minimal energy use.

In hot, humid climates, ventilation should be avoided, but other strategies can substantially reduce the need for air conditioning. Before selecting a cooling system, you should become acquainted with the fundamentals of heating and cooling.

Cooling Techniques

Systems of Ventilation for Cooling

Learn how to prevent heat build-up and maintain a cool residence through ventilation. Find out more

Using Fans to Cool

In many regions of the country, it is possible to maintain comfort during the cooling season with the help of strategically positioned fans. Find out more

Utilizing a Whole-House Fan to Cool

In conjunction with other cooling systems, a whole-house fan can fulfil all or most of your cooling needs throughout the year. Find out more

Evaporative Cooling Systems

In mild, low-humidity climates, evaporative coolers can be a cost-effective cooling method. Find out more

Air Conditioning

Like a refrigerator, air conditioners transfer heat from the interior of your residence to the exterior. Find out more

Radiative Chilling

While effective in certain circumstances, Radiant cooling is uncommon in the United States. Find out more