Before You Buy...
Conduct an energy audit.This will help you detect energy waste,
gauge the efficiency of your current heating and cooling systems, and
determine if conditioned air is being distributed properly. Your utility
company may offer free or low-cost energy audits or a do-it-yourself
kit. You also can hire a specialist to do a more comprehensive B and
more expensive B energy audit.
Weatherize your home. Check the caulking, weatherstripping and
insulation, and make any necessary repairs. This may enable you to install
a smaller, less expensive heating or cooling system to get the same results.
Compare the performance of different brands and models. Study
the product literature. Will the product do the job? How energy efficient
is it? What's its repair history? Will it handle your needs today? Ten
years from now? Does it fit your budget?
Estimate how much the appliance will cost to operate. The more
energy an appliance uses, the more it costs to run. Consult the EnergyGuide
labels, the manufacturers' fact sheets or the industry association directory
to compare the energy efficiency of different models. The difference
on your monthly utility bill can be significant, especially when considered
over the lifetime of the product. You can save money over the long run
by choosing a more energy-efficient model, even if it costs more initially.
Ask about special energy efficiency offers. Ask your local utility
or salesperson if there are cash rebates, low-interest loans or other
incentive programs in your area for buying energy-efficient products
-- and how you can qualify. | 
can
take to keep your heating and cooling equipment running at peak
performance is proper maintenance.