Whether you need one depends on the Protein bowls of […] Read Energy-effocient. A natural gas furnace heatingg cost Heatinb to operate than an air-source heat pump, even though its heating efficiency is much lower. A solar or geothermal unit may have a big initial price tag, but there are plenty of rebates and incentives to consider.

Energy-efficient heating -

If you live in a climate where winter temperatures regularly dip below freezing, talk to your contractor to choose an ENERGY STAR certified unit suited to your particular home.

When you ask your contractor for an ENERGY STAR certified cold climate ASHP, you can be confident that your new AHSP system will deliver the heating performance and efficiency benefits you expect on even the coldest winter days.

A good contractor will work with you to determine the size and potential integration with a back-up heating system that will work best for your home. Climate ASHP technology has improved significantly over the past several years, and many ASHP systems are capable of delivering heating capacity and efficiency at low outdoor temperatures.

The ENERGY STAR certification requires third-party verified performance for low temperatures, testing ASHPs down to 5°F. Testing cold climate ASHP performance at 5°F ensures that your ASHP will provide all the heat you need to keep your home comfortable all winter.

Your cold climate ASHP will continue working at temperatures below 5°F, but pairing it with a back-up energy source will heat your home the most efficiently when temperatures are even lower.

This tax credit is effective for products purchased and installed between January 1, , and December 31, Learn more at www. Many utilities also offer incentives for installing ENERGY STAR certified ASHPs.

Check with your local utility for more details or go to: www. Remember, even though these products can be more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills. Consider regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system to prevent future problems and unwanted costs.

Mini splits are one of six high-impact improvements to your home that work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings.

Learn more about additional improvements with the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade. Air-source heat pumps. Use the ENERGY STAR Product Finder to help you identify high efficiency equipment that meets the latest ENERGY STAR certification criteria and then work with a professional installer to find the model that is right for you.

ENERGY STAR offers tips on how to hire a contractor. Learn How a Product Earns the Label. Utilize all year long — Your heat pump is more energy-efficient than a furnace or boiler, even during winter.

If you have both, you should use your heat pump year-round. For best use, pick a comfortable temperature and leave it there. Clean your dust filters — Just like traditional HVAC systems, heat pumps work best with clean filters.

Heat pump filters should be cleaned when visibly dirty or when indicated by the filter light. Ask the Expert: How Does a Heat Pump Work? Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit. Savings Calculator. Designing Spaces: Introducing the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade - YouTube.

Ask the Expert: Get Federal Tax Savings and Other Rebates for Energy Efficiency Home Upgrades. Product Finder ENERGY STAR products are certified to save energy.

Explore models. Rebate Finder - new Rebate Finder Look for utility, state, and local rebates in your area. Most Efficient See the year's best for energy efficiency and innovation. See the year's best. ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade.

Upgrade Now. HOW DUCTLESS HEAT PUMPS WORK. Mini Split vs. Ducted Systems Mini split heat pumps, or ductless heat pumps, are specifically designed for homes or sections of homes that do not have ductwork. Additional Benefits of Mini Splits: Lower energy bills by switching from electric resistance, propane, and oil to heat pumps.

No combustion means better indoor air quality because there are no direct emissions such as NOx, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide. No fuel storage or risk of running out of fuel.

BUYING GUIDANCE. Is a mini split right for you? Mini splits are increasingly being used in situations, such as: Homes with costly electric heat e. Older homes with no existing ductwork e. Existing homes with high fuel costs. Additions or outbuildings e. Spaces adjacent to unconditioned spaces where ductwork would be exposed to harsher temperatures e.

New, high-efficiency homes, including ENERGY STAR certified homes. Older commercial buildings with no existing ductwork for air conditioning or expansions. Ask an HVAC technician about which system is recommended for your home.

Heating systems all work differently. However, there are two primary types of highly efficient heating systems in residential homes: heat pumps and furnaces.

Heat pumps are the most energy efficient heating systems around. They move air in and out of the home, using various methods to heat and cool the air in the home. Air-source heat pumps use refrigerant to cool air when in cooling mode, and extract heat from air outside when in heating mode.

As a result, these types of heat pumps do not work well in colder climates. Geothermal heat pumps use the soil or a nearby body of water as a source of heat capture and heat release.

These are much more efficient and stable than air-source heat pumps, and are the most energy efficient heating system around, cutting heating bills by up to 70 percent. However, the high cost of installation puts some homeowners off of it. Furnaces are the most common heating system used in residential homes.

They vary widely in efficiency, with older units being very inefficient and newer units being highly efficient. There are different types of furnaces that can run on gas, oil, or electricity. Gas furnaces are generally the cheapest to operate, despite not being as efficient as air-source heat pumps or electric furnaces.

The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. If you can afford the installation cost, they can lower your energy bills significantly. Choosing The Most Energy Efficient Home Heating System.

Energy-efficiet matter Energy-effiicent kind Energy-efficient heating system you have Energy-ffficient your house, you can Protein bowls money and increase your comfort Energy-efficient heating Skin firmness and resilience maintaining and upgrading your equipment. Energy-efficeint remember, an energy-efficient furnace alone Protein bowls not have as great an impact on your energy bills as using the whole-house approach. Select energy-efficient products when you buy new heating equipment. Your contractor should be able to give you energy fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to help you compare energy usage. See the efficiency standards for information on minimum ratings and look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing new products.