Energy-Efficient Heating and Air Conditioners

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy started the Energy Star rating system for products to help educate homeowners about energy efficiency, decrease emissions and save people money. In 2010, Americans saved more than $18 billion on utility costs when they purchased Energy Star products. The rating system judges the energy efficiency of appliances such as boilers, furnaces, windows and air conditioners. To gain the Energy Star, the appliance must meet the EPA's stringent standards established for that particular product.

Energy-efficient heating starts with the basics. The best way to have more cost-effective heating is to purchase and install Energy Star-certified products in your home. Gas furnaces have an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating at an average of 90 percent, while oil furnaces average around 83 percent. Electric-resistance heating is the most expensive way to heat your home but space heaters are suitable for small areas; check for the Energy Star logo before buying. Solar heating is especially beneficial in warm regions but can help lower the energy bills of homeowners in any climate if installed and used properly.

Air conditioners use approximately 5 percent of all the energy used in the U.S., which results in more than $11 billion in annual air-conditioning bills. Energy Star-rated air conditioners have better SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and EER (energy efficiency ratio) ratings than noncertified models. The replacement of an older air-conditioning system can save you up to 14 percent on your energy bills if your current system is more than 15-years-old.

The cost of installing new Energy Star-certified systems throughout the entire home may be too much for many homeowners. But small steps and DIY improvements can go a long way in reducing your energy costs. If you cannot afford such upgrades, there are still many ways to increase your home's efficiency: Use a programmable thermostat and only heat the living spaces you use most frequently; seal all your heating ducts; insulate all floors and walls with Energy Star-compliant insulation; install ceiling fans; change your filters regularly; and schedule equipment maintenance checkups from a professional.