ENERGY STAR Label: Symbol for Efficiency

Buying ENERGY STAR products saves money on utility bills and protects the environment. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed guarantee that the appliance you buy meets strict efficiency standards. That's a big plus for households with heating and cooling systems, which are big energy users.

The EPA says that if one in 10 households bought ENERGY STAR heating and cooling products, the change would keep 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air.
ENERGY STAR products include thermostats, boilers, heat pumps and air conditioners, among other items. You pay a little more upfront, but can save thousands of dollars in utility bills over the service life of the product.

Homeowners can do their part to keep ENERGY STAR products running efficiently. Hire qualified professionals to size and install heating and cooling systems.

Clean, Maintain Heating and Cooling System

Plan to do cooling and heating system maintenance four times a year -- twice each winter and twice each summer. Keep this checklist handy for your routine maintenance:
* Inspect belts and blowers. Change worn-out belts. Oil blower bearings.
* Clean or replace filters. Some filters need to be cleaned monthly. Check your owner's manual for guidance.
* Clean and clear drains, traps and drip pans.
* Clean outdoor and indoor coils.

ENERGY STAR Label: Symbol for Efficiency

Make your home more energy efficient, too. Seal and insulate ducts in attics and crawlspaces. Rooms will be less drafty and monthly energy costs will go down. Updating old cooling and heating equipment with ENERGY STAR products can save consumers up to 20 percent in energy costs yearly.

Clean, Maintain Heating and Cooling System

Checking your thermostat should be part of regular heating system maintenance. The thermostat may need to be recalibrated annually. Call your service technician if you need help.

'Smart' Technology Manages Large HVAC Systems

Control HVAC functions with computerized controls. These high tech systems allow for high-efficiency comfort, reduce service and operating costs, and are easy to use. The single-source system lets you monitor heating and cooling, lights, and fans.

'Smart' Technology Manages Large HVAC Systems

The new wave in HVAC technology are remote diagnostic and maintenance systems. HVACs increasingly are complex to run and manage, especially systems that cool and heat large buildings or complexes. HVAC breakdowns and repairs can be costly. Traditional repairs by a building's maintenance crew may be inadequate.

Imagine a day when HVACs are monitored and tested by computerized "smart" systems. That day has arrived, with high-rise buildings, large shopping malls, and super-sized complexes using "smart" technology to manage HVAC, security and fire services from a remote location. In the not-too-distant future, service technicians will use Web browsers and handheld devices in the field to help maintain, manage and repair HVAC systems.