High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment is the first step toward minimizing energy costs to the home owner.energy.PNGA high-efficiency furnace has an will convert up to 97 per cent of the combusted natural gas to usable energy. By comparison, many older furnaces or mid efficiency models waste up 15-40% of their fuel increasing the operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Installing a new high-efficiency heating system will cut your fuel bills and your furnace’s pollution output. Upgrading your furnace from 56% to 90% efficiency can save 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year if you heat with gas.

Equally important is a fully sealed and insulated sheet metal duct distribution system. All duct work is run inside the insulated building envelope. Alternatives to air conditioning are included in all occupiable spaces including operable windows with screens and ceiling fans.

type, installation and locations can have dramatic affects on the effi ciency of the heating system. Do’s – use sheet metal, insulated with  sealed seams. Smooth interior   surface is more effi cient. – run within conditioned space – plan runs and coordinate locations Don’ts – use fl exduct or ductboard – put ducts in attics – 90 degree turns
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Programmable thermostat

The average household spends nearly half of their annual energy costs towards heating and cooling. Using a programmable thermostat can deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don’t need as much. Simply program the thermostat to reduce the temperature while not at home and during sleeping hours during the winter and increase the temperature during these times in the summer.

Tankless water heaters

On average, an American family pays 20% of their energy cost to heat water. Conventional tank heaters operate 24/7/365 whether you are using hot water or not.  High efficiency, on-demand water heating system, including tankless models, differ in that they do not have a large water storage tank. There is no energy wasted by heating a large tank of water for indefi nite periods of time. These types heat and supply hot water in an unlimited capacity supply as needed. Other alternatives to traditional water heaters are solar water heaters and heat pump units.

Electric lighting

Electric lighting can eat up a large portion of the average home energy budget. To reduce energy use, and associated costs,  we installed LED and CFL lights throughout the house. While the initial costs for LED are high, the low energy costs and long life make them far more economical than incandescent lights. Total cost for 50K hours of use: Incandescent (60 watt)   $352.50 CFL(13watt)   $89.75 LED (5watt)   $65.95

Attic ventilation

Too often, attic ventilation is overlooked, not to mention ignored as a place for energy savings. Attic air temperatures can easily reach twice the temperature outside.  If not actively vented, this increases the load on the air conditioner.  Solar powered attic vents operate without onthe-grid electricity and with no operating costs.  Benefi ts in addition to removing the super heated attic air in summer include preventing moisture build up and increasing the life of your shingles.