The heating and cooling system in your new or retrofit home will be difficult and expensive to change so give it some thought now.

When planning to build a new home or retrofit an existing one, heating and cooling systems and energy-saving details always seem mundane compared to those catalogs of gorgeous granite countertops and gleaming hardwood floors. But think ahead. Nothing will affect your comfort and living enjoyment more than that rarely seen and heard system which maintains the environment you live in. And don't forget that money spent on a well-planned, reliable, energy-efficient system will pay you back every month when the utility bills arrive.

We continually hear about 'Green' energy systems which should help us not only 'save the world' but also save money. There are also attractive tax credits on some of these systems which transform them from expensive, high-tech anomalies to practical alternatives to high utility bills. Many potential customers are looking to these technologies to decrease their carbon footprint and perhaps save money. The problem is that they find themselves faced with a maze of alternatives, many with dubious claims as to what they can achieve and at what cost. Our experts will help you evaluate the alternatives, figure out which will provide your needs and estimate what the initial costs and running costs will be.

No matter whether you are aiming to be 'green' or simply have a comfortable, economical heating and cooling system, a hybrid system is often the best way to go but planning and evaluating one is not simple. How much heat will 'passive solar' provide in my house? How much heat will solar panels provide? How much can I rely on these alternatives? Do I need a 'backup' system and, if so, how large? These are only a few of the questions which can arise when a hybrid system is considered and the comfort and financial consequences are significant. Let us help you evaluate the alternatives and ensure that you don't end up with costly mistkes when your home is finished.

We recommend that you consider the following questions before deciding on your system:

Is radiant floor for me?
Radiant floors are becoming more and more popular, but there are many options and good design and control are key to your resulting comfort. Check out our Radiant Floor Systems page for further information. You might also want to read this article, which discusses the pros and cons of radiant floor heating in an energy efficient home.

What are the advantages of using a geothermal system? How does it work?
"Geothermal Heat Pump Systems are the most energy efficient, environmentally clean and cost effective space conditioning systems available" -U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. EPA.
Geothermal systems require capital investment up front to save on utility bills afterwards. If your alternative is propane, going geothermal is almost a 'no-brainer' decision. Payback is now only about 5 years. And against natural gas, your payback will be 10-15 years. Check out our Geothermal page for more information.

Is my duct system optimal for my needs?
The duct system is probably the last thing you want to think about, but remember that historically this area is famous for leaky, inefficient systems which waste energy and provide poor comfort (and also compromise safety). Check out our page on duct systems for more information on what to look out for.

I only need cooling in one or two rooms. How can I do that cleanly and quietly?
A Mini-Split System may be the answer to providing AC in one or two rooms without installing a big system or putting up with a noisy unit buzzing away in the window. Check out our Mini-Split Systems page for further information.

My baseboard system is fine, but that old boiler uses an awful lot of gas. What can I do?
Your hydronic heating system, whether it be baseboard, radiant floor, or radiators may work fine, but if the boiler is inefficient the fuel costs will be higher than necessary. Check out our High Efficiency Boilers page for help on getting those bills down.

I want lots of fresh air in the house. How can I get it without letting all the heat out?
Check out our Indoor Air Quality page to learn more.

I love my pool in the summer but heating it in the spring and fall is expensive. How can I extend my season at a reasonable cost?
Air source heat pumps work well and are economical for pool heating when the air temperture is not too low. Check out our AquaCal Swimming Pool Heat Pumps page to learn more.

Condominiums and apartments
If you live in, own, or manage a multi-residence building, click here for information on what you can do to save energy.