Energy Tip

Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. A wide variety of technologies is available for heating and cooling a home, and they achieve a wide range of efficiencies in converting their energy sources into useful heat or cool air for a home.
In addition, many heating and cooling systems have certain supporting equipment in common, such as thermostats and ducts, which provide opportunities for saving energy.
When a homeowner is looking for ways to save energy in a home, they should think about not only improving the existing heating and cooling system, but also consider the energy efficiency of the supporting equipment, and the possibility of either adding supplementary sources of heating or cooling or simply replacing their system altogether.
Selecting and Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems
When replacing or upgrading an existing heating and cooling system, it's important for the homeowner to first consider the limitations imposed by the current system and available energy sources. When selecting a heating and cooling system for a new house, options are generally much wider, although the builder or developer may place limitations on the choices.
Cooling Systems
Depending on where your client lives, cooling the home can be as simple as opening a window or as complex as using a central air-conditioning unit. A wide variety of cooling technologies is available.
Heating Systems
Although most U.S. homes use either a furnace or a boiler, other approaches range from wood stoves to active solar heating systems.
Heat Pump Systems
Heat pump systems provide both heating and cooling and offer the benefit of delivering more useful energy than they consume.
Supporting Equipment for Heating and Cooling Systems
Thermostats and ducts provide opportunities for saving energy. Dehumidifying heat pipes allow central air conditioners and heat pumps to deliver drier air. Electric and gas meters allow your client to track their energy use closely.

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