If your home has central cooling and/or heating delivered through duct work and air vents (i.e. forced air), consider the following:

Proper Sizing

Installing the right size equipment for your home is essential to getting the best performance and comfort. Bigger is not always better when buying new heating and cooling equipment. In reality, a system that’s too large will not keep your home comfortable because of frequent on/off cycling. Make sure your contractor verifies the proper size for your home using a tool called “Manual J.” Higher efficiency equipment with variable speed compressors do a better job of compensating for any oversizing.

The Right Contractor Should:

• Perform an onsite inspection of the work you want done and then provide a detailed bid in a timely manner.
• Evaluate and ensure that you have a well-sealed duct system (poorly sealed duct systems can result in up to 30% loss in efficiency) that is able to provide sufficient air flow throughout the living space.
• Demonstrate to you that the company is licensed and insured to repair and install heating and cooling equipment (many states require this).
• Have several years of experience as a business in your community.
• Clearly explain the benefits of regular maintenance and help you set up a schedule to keep your system operating at its best.

If you do not have ducts and are looking for an efficient and effective means to both heat and cool your home, you may be a good candidate for a ductless heat pump system.

About Ductless Heat Pumps

Ductless heat pumps come with an outdoor compressor/condenser and one to four indoor air handlers. Indoor units are installed on walls or ceilings (or sometimes hidden behind them) and refrigerant circulates through tubing that connects the indoor and outdoor units.

Ductless heat pumps, or mini/multi split heat pumps, are an increasingly popular alternative to radiator or baseboard heating, as well as replacement for window units for cooling. No duct work is needed. Instead, a head unit, or multiple head units, are mounted on an interior wall or ceiling, with an accompanying unit outside. The outside unit extracts heat from the air, even when it’s cold. Refrigerant carries the heat directly to the head(s) inside, which then delivers heated air to occupied space. In warmer months, the system works in reverse for quiet, efficient air conditioning. These units are practical for single-room additions as well as for entire homes. Homes with multiple units can easily be zoned to meet individual comfort needs in each room. In addition to being energy efficient, mini splits avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork, which can account for more than 30 percent of a home’s energy use for space conditioning.

ENERGY STAR certified ductless heat pumps are an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly way to keep your home comfortable without the trouble or expense of adding ductwork.

Learn more about navigating an HVAC equipment upgrade in the ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling Guide.

Is your air conditioner or heat pump showing its age? Replacing it with ENERGY STAR certified equipment could provide dramatic savings compared to a unit installed 10 or even 5 years ago. Use this simple tool to estimate how much money you could save by upgrading with ENERGY STAR.

ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling Savings Calculator

It may be time for a change if:

Your equipment is more than 10 years old or it needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.

• The age and condition of your heating or cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient. Oversized units tend to have shorter lives due to “short-cycle,” or turning on and off rapidly, which inflicts excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient ENERGY STAR certified equipment.

Some of your rooms are too hot or cold (this could also be due to inadequate air sealing, windows or insulation. Learn more

Your home has humidity problems, excessive dust or rooms that never seem to get comfortable. (this could also be due to poorly insulated ductwork. Learn more

• You tend to leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature.
  • You could be missing a great opportunity to let an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat adjust the temperature to save energy while you are asleep or away.

Find deals on a new smart thermostat HERE

Learn more about navigating an HVAC equipment upgrade in the ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling Guide.