There are plenty of things you can do to make your household more energy-efficient and, as a result, lower your utility costs. Some examples include installing a programmable thermostat, updating your home with quality replacement windows, and keeping current with HVAC maintenance. Partner with a reliable heating and air conditioning contractor to get solid and beneficial advice.

Without getting into the industry jargon, a heat pump does exactly what it says. It pumps heat into your home during cold weather and out of your home during hot weather.

At the end of the day, it's basically a matter of personal preference. However, there are some things you should know that will help you formulate your opinion and make a decision. The upfront costs versus long-term operational costs, for one thing, as well as the type of fueling system. Work with a reputable industry expert to get the feedback you need in order to make informed decisions.

Working with an honest and reputable industry expert is the best way to tell if it's time to replace your system or just stick with repairs and maintenance. The older your HVAC is the more likely you are to need replacement over repairs. Also, if the cost of the repairs is 50% or more than the current value of your heating and cooling system, replacement is the more financially viable choice to make. There are plenty of other details to consider, but these are some of the major ones.

There are also factors that determine the lifespan of your system. The brand, maintenance, and how frequently the system is used are all determining aspects. A broad range puts the longevity at only about 15 years for homeowners who fail to get ongoing maintenance. On the other hand, you may get as much as 25 years from your system with religious upkeep. A good average is about 25 years.

ENERGY STAR is a program developed by the government and the EPA in 1992 to encourage consumers to make more energy-efficient choices. Energy Star rated products mean that you have products that will help make your home or business more Eco-friendly without the need for strict regulation. For a product to qualify as Energy Star rated, it must meet certain criteria.

The frequency with which you'll need to change the filter in your HVAC system depends on a few factors, such as the type of filter you're using and the overall air quality. However, as a general rule, expect to change the filter on a monthly basis. At the very least, clean it the first 30 days and change it the next 30. This should be increased during peak use, such as summer and winter.