Duct Insulation Your air ducts are one of the most important systems in your home, and if the ducts are poorly sealed or insulated, they are likely to contribute to higher energy bills. Your home’s duct system is a branching network of tubes in the walls, floors, and ceilings; it carries the air from your…

In an existing home, it’s important to consider the impacts of replacing your current heating system with a different type of heating system. The easiest route is simply to replace your furnace or boiler with an updated model of the same type, but this may keep you from your most efficient heating and cooling options.…

Central Air Conditioners Central air conditioners circulate cool air through a system of supply and return ducts. Supply ducts and registers (i.e., openings in the walls, floors, or ceilings covered by grills) carry cooled air from the air conditioner to the home. This cooled air becomes warmer as it circulates through the home; then it…

Ventilation Strategies There are three basic ventilation strategies—natural ventilation, spot ventilation, and whole-house ventilation. Natural Ventilation Natural ventilation is the uncontrolled air movement in and out of the cracks and small holes in a home. In the past, this air leakage usually diluted air pollutants enough to maintain adequate indoor air quality. Today, we are…

Maintenance Checklist Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. Keep your cooling and heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy once summer and winter come, so it’s best to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall.…

Air-Source Heat Pumps Electric air-source heat pumps, often used in moderate climates, use the difference between outdoor air temperatures and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat your home. Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Remember, saving energy…

Selecting the fuel and heating system best suited for your needs depends on the following factors: Fuel Availability The simple view of heating fuels is that most homeowners are relatively limited in their options for heating fuels. In the Northeast, the choices are largely fuel oil or electricity, although natural gas is becoming available to…

Air Conditioner: Assembly of equipment for the simultaneous control of air temperature, relative humidity, purity, and motion. Air Cooled: Uses a fan to discharge heat from the condenser coil to the outdoors. Air-Source: Air is being used as the heat source or heat sink for a heat pump. BTU: British Thermal Unit. The amount of energy needed to change…

A variety of technologies are available for heating your house. In addition to heat pumps, which are discussed separately, many homes use the following approaches: Furnaces and Boilers By far the most common way to heat a home. Wood and Pellet-Fuel Heating Provides a way to heat your home using biomass or waste sources. Electric…