Central HVAC units are specially constructed to provide an entire building with heated or cooled air. Why, then, do so many buildings end up with uncomfortable hot or cold spots? In many cases, it boils down to unbalanced airflow in the building.

Programmable thermostats are one of the most affordable and effective ways to trim energy usage in your home, especially if you're away on a routine basis. These devices remember when to change the temperatures in your home based on a schedule you set. Considerations for choosing the best one for your heating and cooling needs involves identifying the type you want, its features and its compatibility with your system.

Energy-saving tips are applicable any time of year, but even more so after a hot summer and high energy bills. As the leaves fall, turn over a new leaf of your own and make these changes around your Massachusetts home. 

Everyone loves summer, but here in Massachusetts, the seasonal heat can be uncomfortable for many. We always take steps to ensure our homes are ready for the harsh winter weather, but it’s equally important to seal and insulate the home envelope for summer, and this is especially true for older, multi-level homes.

The last problem you want to have in the dead of summer is a malfunctioning air conditioner. That's why it's important to remember to include air conditioning maintenance on your Spring cleaning list. Specifically, you will want to examine and clean the air conditioning condensing unit to ensure optimal performance during those hot summer months.

When you need to upgrade the major appliances in your home, choosing Energy Star qualified products will help you save energy in the long run and lower your utility bills. These appliances may cost a bit more at first, but the investment will pay you back. The federal Energy Star program was established to make it easy for consumers to choose products that use energy wisely.

If your HVAC equipment needs to be replaced, considering heat pump options might help you find a system that offers both convenience and energy savings. The options include air-source, ground-source and absorption heat pumps. All heat pumps operate on the same principle of moving heat energy instead of generating it.

Heat pumps are rated for both cooling and heating efficiency. The minimum cooling efficiency rating stands at 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and 7.7 HSPF (heating season performance factor). In our cold-winter climate, it probably makes more sense to prioritize HSPF when shopping for a heat pump.