According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. The following links give tips and advice to keep your home efficiently heated and cooled with the least expense.

Air Conditioning

HVAC Talk: Heating, Air Conditioning (A/C) & Refrigeration Discussion
At this web site forum consumers and pros ask questions on all sorts of topics about residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, indoor air quality and related topics.

Installing and Maintaining Air Conditioners For Best Energy Efficiency
There are steps you should take to make sure your air conditioner, whether it's central air or a room model, runs at peak efficiency.

Reducing Your Need for A/C

Central Air Conditioners
This is an ENERGY STAR web site.

Room Air Conditioners
This is an ENERGY STAR web site.

Room Air Conditioners
This is a DOE web site.

Central A/C Efficiency

Room A/C Efficiency

Central A/C Savings Calculator
This is an Austin Energy web site.

Window Unit A/C Savings Calculator
This is an Austin Energy web site.

Efficient Heating

Heater Efficiency

Check Your Heating System

Austin Energy's Heating System Savings Calculator

Space Heating and Cooling
This DOE web site discusses a variety of technologies that are available for heating and cooling your home.

Furnaces
This is an ENERGY STAR web site. Furnaces are the most common residential heating system in the U.S.

Heater Helpers
No matter what kind of heater or furnace you have, you can help it work more efficiently.

Water Heating

Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home. You can reduce your monthly water heating bills by selecting the appropriate water heater for your home or pool and by using some energy-efficient water heating strategies.

Water Heating
This is a DOE web site.

Selecting a New Water Heater
This DOE web site provides information about choosing a water heating system that will not only provide enough hot water but also that will do so energy efficiently, saving you money.

Energy-Efficient Water Heating
This DOE web site features strategies to help you decrease water heating costs in your home.

Radiant Barriers
Radiant barriers reflect heat rather than absorbing it. It is usually installed in attics to reduce summer heat gain and winter heat loss.

Radiant Floor and Radiant Panels Heating

Swimming Pool Heating
This DOE web site includes information about selecting a pool heating system and ways to improve your pool's energy efficiency.

Refrigerators & Freezers

Of all household appliances, refrigerators consume the most electricity, about 9 percent of an average home's energy consumption. Choosing the right refrigerator and using it wisely can help you save money on your food storage energy needs.

Refrigerators & Freezers
This is an Austin Energy web site.

How To Buy An Energy Efficient Refrigerator

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