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When you notice a sudden increase in your utility bills or your home is not as cozy as it should be, there could be a problem with your heating and air conditioning units. After all, they account for about half of your overall energy consumption. Several factors can cause them to become inefficient. Some of these are evident, while others require scrutiny. Heating and Air Conditioning: What Causes Poor Energy Efficiency? Faulty heating and air conditioning systems not only compromise your home’s comfort and energy efficiency but can also affect your health. That is why when you notice any of these problems, always seek the help of an expert. Improper Size. A unit that is too small for your home will work harder to regulate the proper indoor temperature. Conversely, a unit that’s too big will cycle on and off many times, which wastes energy. When investing in an HVAC system, have a professional to measure your home’s energy loss rate to identify the right size for your needs. Outdated Unit. According to the Department of Energy, the service life of an HVAC system is about 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. Most older units, however, operate efficiently for about 10 years. When

During the colder months, most people tend to spend more time indoors and turn up their heating systems. Because of this, utility costs can soar and many people might be paying more than necessary. The good news is, it is never too late to make a few changes in your home so you can improve your comfort levels and save money. Here are some of our top recommendations. Air Conditioning and Heating Tips While you will need professional service every now and then to keep your heating and air conditioning units in the best condition, there are other ways to warm up your home. These simple and inexpensive solutions not only contribute to energy efficiency but also let you maximize heat in your living space. Take Advantage of Your Curtains. Even on cold days, the sun can still bring warmth. Leave your curtains open during the day to capture as much as of the free heat. Once the night settles in, shut your drapes. This provides an extra layer of insulation to prevent warm air from escaping your home. Your windows should not have leaks or gaps so the heat stays in and drafts stay out. Install a Programmable Thermostat. Instead of manually adjusting

When installing a new HVAC system in your home, you will be faced with a decision of whether to select a heat pump or an air conditioner. While they are both designed to keep your home comfortable, they differ in terms of function; even their repair procedure is different. To help you make an informed decision, here is a rundown of their main differences. Key Distinctions Between Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners While a heat pump and an air conditioner share similar components, the way they perform is quite different. Here are some factors that distinguish the two: Use. A heat pump provides both heating and cooling. It expels warm air out of your home during summer and it brings outdoor heat inside during winter. An air conditioner, on the other hand, can only cool your home. Operation. Both systems follow the same principles to condition your home’s temperatures. They use refrigerants to facilitate a process of heat exchange. A heat pump, however, uses a reversing valve built into a compressor to transfer outdoor heat inside your home and increase its temperature. A traditional air conditioner, on the other hand, relies on electric-resistant heat strips within the air handler to produce warm air. It may