A heating system is a long-term investment. You need to do all your homework to ensure that you have the right unit for your home. It will serve you for many years. Of course you'll look for an energy-efficient system, one with a high AFUE rating and the Energy Star label… read more »
Cooling and heating your home is an expensive proposition, and if you're like most other homeowners, you're eager to find energy savings. Becoming more energy efficient has a two-fold benefit. First, it can save you money… read more »
The efficiency of your air filter for capturing airborne particles is important to your health, comfort, and for the efficient operation of your heating and cooling system. Use MERV ratings when you're upgrading your filter to ensure your home circulates clean air both this season and all year long.… read more »
As a violent thunderstorm passes overhead, many adults may share the same concern: the lights may flicker, but will a power surge cause damage to computers and appliances?… read more »
A ductless mini-split provides the perfect solution for common dilemmas many homeowners confront when retrofitting a home and constructing a new one, or when adding air conditioning or heating to existing areas that are difficult to heat and cool.… read more »
When selecting HVAC equipment, especially whole-house equipment such as air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces, you'll often find a huge variation in price among models and brands. So how can you tell what you are getting for your money or if the extra cost will reap some benefit? Understanding HVAC efficiency ratings can help.… read more »
Taken individually or together, these tips will help increase home energy efficiency:… read more »
Dual-fuel systems most often combine an electric heat pump with a furnace fueled by oil or gas as backup. Heat pumps are incredibly energy efficient because they absorb heat from where it's not needed and transfer it to where it is needed. This is much more efficient than generating heat from fuel, like a traditional furnace, and requiring separate air-conditioning equipment to provide cooling to your home, as in a standard home-comfort system.… read more »
Fuel consumption is a large part of heating costs for homeowners in Greater Cincinnati. When the weather gets cold, it takes more fuel to keep your home warm. During a long and frigid winter, heating costs can jump astronomically. However, there are energy-saving steps you can take to reduce energy use and save on fuel consumption. And these small steps can make a large difference in your winter fuel costs – no matter what fuel you use to heat your home.… read more »
Your home heating systems contain three components: The furnace, ductwork and thermostat. These three components work together to keep your home warm during the winter. The key to energy efficiency and cost savings at home is understanding how the systems work, and implementing small changes that will greatly affect your energy consumption.… read more »
Need relief from dry winter air this year? If you haven't explored a whole-house humidification system, the time to do so is now – as this type of system can provide relief from high energy bills, increase home comfort, and protect your home.… read more »
Just like you, your home is unique. It may look like a dozen other homes in the greater Cincinnati area, but it is one-of-a-kind. Therefore, your home should be heated based on its unique needs. Blindly making a new furnace purchase can be a disservice to your wallet and your family.… read more »
When you invest in home improvements, you want to be sure you are getting the most value for your money and implementing changes that will make a measurable difference, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. Before you make decisions about which home improvements to do, consider getting an energy evaluation so you will be fully informed.… read more »
Your home's ductwork plays a huge role in determining the level of comfort you feel in your home on a regular basis. Your HVAC system can only work as well as your ductwork, no matter how efficient it is intended to be.… read more »
Air leaks are one of the great thieves of indoor conditioned air. And they should be addressed because air leaks add to energy costs. We all know that well-caulked windows and weatherstripping around doors reduce leaks. But there are some other areas that homeowners can neglect when it comes to outside air invading our homes.… read more »
During a hot Cincinnati summer, your air-conditioning system has to work harder on days when the average temperature is higher. The same is true in winter; the colder it is outside, the longer your heating system has to run to achieve the desired temperature inside your home. The difference between the average outdoor temperature and the desired indoor temperature is used to calculate degree days.… read more »
Are you planning to escape Cincinnati for one last summer getaway? There are a lot of preparation activities you need to do before you go, but have you thought about your heating and cooling system?… read more »
If you have noticed higher cooling bills this summer, start thinking about how you can improve energy savings for next year. One way to cut down on cooling costs is to invest in smart landscaping practices. Some strategic planting this fall could help help you generate energy savings for next summer and many years to come.… read more »
It's summertime in Cincinnati! As much as you may be enjoying the warmer temperatures, you are probably not enjoying the higher utility bill that comes with running your air conditioning system more frequently. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help keep costs low, without sacrificing home comfort.… read more »
You have a lot of choices when it comes to buying new heating and cooling equipment. You want to purchase a system that will operate efficiently, last a long time, and provide perfect home comfort. This is why the Energy Star label is so important.… read more »
Geothermal heat pumps are like ordinary heat pumps, but they tap heat from the ground rather than the air to provide heating, A/C and often hot water. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are remarkably energy efficient, which is why the federal government has created generous tax credits to encourage homeowners to install them.… read more »