When is it time for a Change?

How do you know if it's time to replace your old cooling and heating equipment or improve the performance of your overall system? It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if:

Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.

Consider replacing with ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment that uses at least 20 percent less energy than new standard models.

Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.

Consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR® qualified furnace. It would be 15 percent more efficient than a conventional furnace. Or, if you have a boiler, consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR® qualified one.

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.

Your cooling and heating equipment may have become less efficient.

Some of your rooms are too hot or cold.

Improper equipment operations, duct problems or inadequate insulation could be the cause.

No one is home for long periods of the day and you don't have a programmable thermostat.

Install an ENERGY STAR® qualified programmable thermostat or have a professional contractor install one and instruct you on its use--to start saving energy and money while you're away or even sleeping.

Your home has humidity problems.

Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.

Your home has excessive dust.

Leaky ducts can pull particles and air in from attics, crawlspaces and basements and distribute them through the house. Having your ducts sealed may be a solution.

Your cooling system is noisy.

You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

Your score on the ENERGY STAR® Home Energy Yardsticks below five(5).

That means you're using more energy at home than most Americans and probably paying more than you need to on energy bills. Get personalized recommendations to improve your home and/or cooling and heating system. Find the Home Energy Yardstick at www.energystar.gov. Click on Home Improvement.