Power to Choose for Texas

Energy Saving Tips

Selecting & Replacing Your System

Appliances & Electronics
- Buying Efficient Products
- Estimating Energy Use
- Turning Off Computers

Electricity
- Reducing Electricity Use
- Buying Clean Electricity
- Making Clean Electricity
- Reading Electric Meters

Insulation & Air Sealing
- Weather-stripping & Caulking
- Insulation
- Controlling Moisture
- Ventilation

Lighting & Day Lighting
- Artificial Lighting
- Types of Lighting
- Turning Off Lights
- Natural Lighting

Windows, Doors & Skylights
- Energy Performance Ratings
- Selecting Windows
- Selecting Exterior Doors
- Selecting Skylights

Design & Remodeling
- Passive Solar
- Whole-House Design
- Zero-Energy Homes
- Log Homes
- Manufactured Homes
- Earth-Sheltered Homes
- Financing an Efficient Home

Heating & Cooling
- Selecting & Replacing Your System
- Cooling Systems
- Heating Systems
- Heat Pumps
- Thermostats, Ducts, & Meters

Landscaping
- For Your Climate
- For Your Microclimate
- Shading
- Using Windbreaks
- Conserving Water & Xeriscaping

Water Heating
- Selecting a Water Heater
- Solar Water Heaters
- Demand (Tankless) Water Heaters
- Reducing Water Heating Bills
- Swimming Pool Heating

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Selecting and Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems
When replacing an existing heating and cooling system, it's important to first consider the limitations imposed by your current system. Of course, it is possible to install virtually any heating and cooling system in any house, but the cost and aesthetic impacts may be unacceptable for you. When selecting a heating and cooling system for a new house, your options are generally much wider, although your builder or developer may place limitations on your choices.

For both new and existing homes, it's important to first maximize the energy efficiency of your home. This is the most cost-effective means of keeping your home comfortable, no matter what climate you live in. After doing so, be sure to do what you can to make use of passive solar heating in your home and consider whether ventilation can keep your house cool on warm days, or if you really need artificial cooling. Only after exploring these topics should you decide on the type of system you want and work with a contractor to figure out the optimum size for it. To learn more on these topics, see the following resources:

• Limitations When Replacing Existing Systems
• Selecting Fuel Type and Type of System
• Sizing Your Heating and Cooling System

Even the most energy-efficient heating and cooling system will fail to save you money if it is installed incorrectly or improperly adjusted.

Here are some further tips on choosing contractors:

• Ask neighbors and friends if they have worked with a contractor they would recommend
• Focus on local companies
• Look for licensed, insured contractors
• Ask about previous experience
• Check references
• Inquire with the Better Business Bureau.

Use these methods to select several contractors, then get at least three detailed, written bids. Each bid should include an agreement to provide written calculations (listing the procedures and standards that will be followed), equipment and installation warranties, a payment schedule, and a firm completion date. Avoid making your decision solely on the basis of price. The quality of the installation should be your highest priority, because quality will determine energy cost, comfort, and durability.

Source: www.energysavers.gov

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