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Heating & Cooling

Air conditioner added to cool two-story addition

Heating and Cooling a Two-Story Addition

Heating and cooling a two-story addition involves making choices that balance cost, convenience, and energy efficiency. Read More

Progress H $ E K
Save Money Med $200/yr. (energy costs)
Value Added Med $6,200-$8,900
Effort Med 2-4 days (research; energy audit)
Investment High $9,000-$13,000 (whole house upgrade)
Added to Binder
Lennox air conditioners outside house

Air Conditioning Equipment: Repair or Replace?

If you’re deciding whether to repair or replace central air conditioning equipment, assess the quality of your house’s ductwork and insulation first. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $112/yr (30% of avg cooling costs)
Effort Med 1 day-1 wk
Investment Med $3,000-$4,000 (SEER 13)
Added to Binder
Geothermal systems are extremely quiet. Because there are so

Is Geothermal Home Heating for You?

The initial costs of geothermal home heating may be high, but the system is eco-friendly and reduces heating and cooling bills considerably. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money High $607/yr (60% heat/cool cost/yr)
Effort Med 4 days (install)
Investment High $14,000 (cost minus tax credit)
Added to Binder
Gas furnace installed in basement

Should You Convert from Oil to Gas Heating?

If you’re replacing your old oil heating equipment, you may want to crunch the numbers on switching to cheaper, cleaner gas heating. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money High $625/yr (off heating oil cost)
Effort Med 1 - 2 wks to convert
Investment Med $3,500-$5,500 for gas unit
Added to Binder
Cast iron radiator next to window

Heating Equipment: Repair or Replace?

The decision to repair or replace heating equipment depends on its age, the cost of repair, and how much money a more efficient system will save you. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Med $200/yr off avg utility bill
Effort Low 1 day to install
Investment Med $1,500 - $10,000
Added to Binder
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Save Money With an Insulation Upgrade

Beefing up inadequate insulation is one of the quickest energy-payback projects you can do, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills and increased comfort. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $100-$660 off heating/cooling
Effort Low 1 day-1 wknd
Investment Med $1,000-$2,500 (hire a pro)
Added to Binder
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Add a Wood Stove for Energy Efficiency

Adding a wood stove is an energy-efficient way to bring a cozy feeling to your house, if you’re willing to make the investment and spend time stoking the fire. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $64-$255/yr (using zoned heating)
Effort Low 4-6 hours (install)
Investment Med $3,000-$4,200 (w/ install)
Added to Binder
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Radiant Heat: When to Consider

Retrofitting radiant heat adds comfort to your home while it lowers energy bills, and installing it is easier than you think. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $256 off avg heating bill
Effort Med 1 day to 1 week
Investment High $5,000-$15,000 (1,000 sq ft)
Added to Binder
Gas inserts require little maintenance

Save Money With a Fireplace Insert

Adapt your fireplace, an inefficient heating source, with an insert to improve efficiency and maintain that cozy hearth look while generating heat. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $64-$255/yr (using zoned heating)
Effort Med 3 hrs-1 wk (shop, install)
Investment High $3,000-$4,000 (w/ install)
Added to Binder
Improve Windows & Doors More Improve Articles
Upgrade to Radiant Heat

Radiant heat could be right for you if:

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