HVAC

Use these ENERGY STAR questions to determine if your HVAC system is on its last legs.The best heating and cooling (HVAC) system is one you don’t have to think about. In fact, you may not even give your HVAC a second thought until suddenly, your heater isn’t working during the cold winter months or your air conditioning fails during a sweltering summer heatwave. 

The earth’s average annual temperature continues to rise, and the last two years have been the warmest in recorded history. Hotter temps are becoming a fact of life for everyone.

As energy prices continue to rise, it’s more important than ever for homeowners to take charge of their energy bills with energy efficient home upgrades. By installing energy efficient windows and appliances, or investing in solar power and water-saving technology, homeowners can slash energy bills and create a more eco-friendly home.

Living in a comfortable home is important.

Get your air conditioner ready, because summer is almost here, and it’s time for vacations, poolside drinks, and … bigger electric bills? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American’s electricity bill will increase by about 2.3 percent this summer—and some homeowners might see bills that top $400 per month!

Ah, summer. Hot days at the pool, followed by cool nights in the air-conditioned comfort of your home. Sounds fantastic … until your old air conditioner can’t keep up with the heat and humidity, and you can’t keep up with the high utility bills rolling in.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) encourages homeowners to consume less energy by changing the way they use their appliances. For example, you can save money on your electricity, gas, and water bills by only washing full loads in your machine and using cold water settings whenever possible. You could also air dry clothes (by hanging them outside on a line) during warmer months to avoid using the dryer altogether.

On paper, high-efficiency furnaces seem like a good investment in energy bills and the environment. There are levels of efficiency among the high-efficiency furnaces, and their prices reflect it. Your geographical location will help determine what level is adequate for you. To evaluate the upfront cost of a high-efficiency furnace, you should take a holistic view of your current furnace’s ongoing costs.

The lifespan of Chrystal Abbott’s 1969 roof had come to an end. “It was basically raining inside my house,” she said of her Bakersfield, Cali. home. The initial quote of $27,000 for a new roof was a tough pill to swallow. “We’re middle class,” Chrystal said. “We have a child in college, two high school boys and a middle schooler—we don’t have extra cash just floating around. So for me to garner $27,000 to get a new roof is a very big deal.”

The Allen family bought their house in Coral Gables in 2012, but they started to worry about their 12 year old roof withstanding another hurricane season. In 2016, with their roof near the end of its life, the Allens knew they couldn’t wait any longer and sought to make repairs. They saw the Ygrene booth at a local event and discovered the benefits of leveraging the equity in their home to finance energy efficiency, wind protection, and renewable energy upgrades. “We felt attracted to the program,” said Nidiana.

Ductwork is a fundamental aspect of heating and cooling systems. These conduits are necessary in homes with any type of forced-air heating or central air conditioning.

Often unseen, ducts are easily forgotten about, so it is common to underestimate their importance. According to Energy Star, up to 30 percent of the heated or cooled air that moves through ducts could be lost to leaks, improperly sealed joints, or a lack of insulation.

Energy Remodeling, a solar company and green home solutions provider, prides itself on quality. The company uses American-made solar panels and offers a 10-year labor warranty to back up its workmanship (compared to the market standard of two years).

"Our panels also have a 25-year linear warranty—that’s about as good as it gets,” says Ed Zumstien, associate vice president of sales. While solar systems are Energy Remodeling’s “bread and butter” the company offers an array of services, from cool roofs, HVAC systems, and windows, to artificial grass and insulation.