A house is just like its owner: It needs to be heated, cooled, maintained at a comfortable constant temperature, surrounded by fresh air, and kept at a humidity level that is safe and comfortable for the building and its contents. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in a home are responsible for all of these conditions, so understanding how they function and work together will help you plan for an efficient, reliable, safe, and comfortable home heating and cooling system.
Selecting
a Gas Fireplace
A new fireplace can improve your heating efficiency, and add warmth and charm to your home, without disrupting your floor plan, raising your roof, or running miles of flue pipe. GO!
A new fireplace can improve your heating efficiency, and add warmth and charm to your home, without disrupting your floor plan, raising your roof, or running miles of flue pipe. GO!
Maintaining
Existing Air Conditioners
Older air conditioners may still be able to offer years of relatively efficient use. However, making your older air conditioner last requires you to perform proper operation and maintenance. GO!
Older air conditioners may still be able to offer years of relatively efficient use. However, making your older air conditioner last requires you to perform proper operation and maintenance. GO!
Forced
Air Heat: How It Works
Immediate heat with the flick of a switch, a rush of warmth and the gentle whoosh of moving air are the hallmarks of forced air heat. Run through ducts to registers located in the floors or baseboards in each room, forced hot air is easily distributed and controlled in any home. GO!
Immediate heat with the flick of a switch, a rush of warmth and the gentle whoosh of moving air are the hallmarks of forced air heat. Run through ducts to registers located in the floors or baseboards in each room, forced hot air is easily distributed and controlled in any home. GO!
Moving
Heat from Room to Room
There are pros and cons to all heating systems. Issues of air quality, control, flue gas condensation, effective distribution, venting, and ventilation surround all heating decisions. Knowing your needs, the characteristics of your heating system, and the variables that impact its efficiency will help you stay warm—safely and wisely. GO!
There are pros and cons to all heating systems. Issues of air quality, control, flue gas condensation, effective distribution, venting, and ventilation surround all heating decisions. Knowing your needs, the characteristics of your heating system, and the variables that impact its efficiency will help you stay warm—safely and wisely. GO!
Heating
With Water
Heating with hot water is becoming increasingly common in the United States as more and more homeowners recognize the convenience, versatility, and cleanliness of hot water heat. GO!
Heating with hot water is becoming increasingly common in the United States as more and more homeowners recognize the convenience, versatility, and cleanliness of hot water heat. GO!
Energy Efficient Air Conditioning
Many people buy or use air conditioners without understanding their designs, components, and operating principles. Proper sizing, selection, installation, maintenance, and correct use are keys to cost-effective operation and lower overall costs. GO!
Many people buy or use air conditioners without understanding their designs, components, and operating principles. Proper sizing, selection, installation, maintenance, and correct use are keys to cost-effective operation and lower overall costs. GO!
Appliances account for about 20 percent of your household's energy consumption, with refrigerators and clothes dryers at the top of the consumption list. GO!