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UPGRADING TO A MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME COMFORT SYSTEM
For the greatest home energy efficiency, it's important to choose the right heating and cooling system. Consider your home's energy demands, installation costs, and long-term operating costs when shopping for the right system.
Electric Heat Pumps
An electric heat pump works by removing heat from a cooler place and moving it to a warmer place. The same unit can heat your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer, providing for year-round comfort. Because the unit transfers heat and does not manufacture heat, the electric heat pump operates at an efficiency greater than 100% under normal operating conditions.
Baseboard Heat
Baseboard resistance is an inexpensive and easy type of electric heat to install. The heaters are available in various sizes to accommodate the heat loss requirements of any room. Each room can be individually controlled by a thermostat, providing the flexibility to tailor the heating needs for all individual areas. Baseboard resistance heat installation is dependable and maintenance-free, with no moving parts.
Because of the easy installation, these heaters can be used in additions and in areas needing an additional heat source. As with all heating installations, effective insulation will minimize operating cost and maximize comfort.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
The geothermal ground source heat pump offers a unique way to heat and cool your home while offering significant energy savings. This system uses the earth's relatively constant year round temperature to warm you in winter and cool you in summer. The highly efficient geothermal heat pump can cut your home heating and cooling energy consumption by as much as 75%, according to a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The installation expense can be somewhat higher than other options, but the payback in energy savings more than covers the expense.
