Washing dishes is a constant chore in every household, often accompanied by the debate over whose turn it is! No matter who ends up handling kitchen duties, considering the water usage and energy consumption involved in clearing the pile is worthwhile. Homeowners often ask themselves: In this quick guide, we’ll…
Energy Saving Tips Home Improvement
What is a tankless water heater? A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand or instant water heater, heats water only when needed. Unlike traditional storage tank heaters, which continuously heat and store water in a tank. In other words, tankless models provide as much hot water as your…
Energy Saving Tips Home Improvement
Interested in long-term energy savings at home? Upgrading your insulation can help. Choosing the best type of insulation is crucial for maximizing energy savings while maintaining a comfortable home environment. In this guide, we’ll explore different types of insulation material so you can make an informed decision about what’s best…
Energy Saving Tips Home Improvement
What is sustainable landscaping? Sustainable landscaping, also known as green landscaping, environmental landscaping, or energy-efficient landscaping, involves creating and maintaining a yard that requires minimal resource inputs like water, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. Sustainable landscaping solutions are also notoriously low maintenance, meaning you’ll spend more time relaxing and enjoying your…
Heating and Cooling Home Improvement
What is HSPF? HSPF stands for heating seasonal performance factor and measures the heating efficiency of a heat pump system. The higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the heat pump. Systems with higher energy efficiency are typically more expensive to purchase and install, but come with added benefit of…
Heating and Cooling Home Improvement
What is AFUE? AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency and measures the efficiency of how a furnace, boiler, or water heater converts fuel into heat. AFUE is measured on a scale of 0-100%. The higher the percentage, the higher the efficiency of the heating system. The formula to calculate…
Heating and Cooling Home Improvement
What’s the difference between SEER and SEER2? SEER and SEER2 are both measurements of the efficiency of an HVAC (heating and cooling) system. SEER2 is an updated, more accurate methodology that was introduced as the new standard in 2023. The SEER2 measurement system better reflects real-world conditions and as a…
Energy Saving Tips Home Improvement
What is a home energy audit? A home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment, is a detailed evaluation of energy use throughout your house. It involves a thorough inspection of elements like insulation, heating and cooling systems (such as AC units and heat pumps), windows and doors,…
Energy Saving Tips Heating and Cooling Home Improvement
What size air conditioner do I need? To find the right size air conditioner, multiply your square feet of living space by 20. That helps you calculate how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) you need. Use our handy chart to match up your home size to the correct size cooling…
Energy Saving Tips Heating and Cooling Home Improvement
What is the best home furnace for energy efficiency? The best energy efficient furnaces are those with the highest AFUE rating (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), or how effectively they convert energy into warm air to keep your home comfortable during the colder parts of the year. The best furnaces will…
Energy Saving Tips Heating and Cooling Home Improvement
Selecting the best heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for your home usually involves choosing between a central air conditioner vs heat pump. The primary difference is that a heat pump unit offers both heating and cooling capabilities. In contrast, air conditioning systems circulate cool air during the hotter…