You should change your HVAC filters every six months at a minimum. However, if you live in an area of California with heavy air pollution or dust, aim for closer to every three months, and if you have pets or suffer from chronic respiratory conditions, we recommend changing your filters every month or two.

AFUE, SEER, and HSPF ratings all measure the energy efficiency of HVAC equipment.

• AFUE OR ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY RATINGS: Measure the efficiency of furnaces. The minimum AFUE rating for furnaces sold in the US is 90% in the northern states and 80% in the southern states.
• SEER OR SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING: Measures the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher SEER, the more efficient the air conditioner or heat pump. A 13 SEER AC is the EPA’s current minimum standard.
• HEAT PUMPS HAVE HSPF OR HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR RATINGS AND SEER: Which measure their heating efficiency. The scale runs from 7.5 to 13.0, with a higher rating providing more significant energy savings.

You should aim to schedule maintenance services for your furnace and air conditioner at least once a year, but twice a year is ideal. Try to get a furnace tune-up in the fall and air conditioner maintenance in the spring. That way, you can be sure that your equipment is ready to handle whatever weather mother nature dishes out.

A heat pump is an eco-friendly alternative to electric and gas heating and cooling. In winter, the heat pump’s refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and uses it to warm the home. In summer, the reverse action takes place. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than forced-air systems as they move rather than generate heat.

According to the CDC, carbon monoxide kills more than 400 Americans and sends approximately 4,000 more to emergency rooms each year. HVAC equipment like furnaces and heaters that rely on carbon-based fuels to generate heat also produce carbon monoxide. The safest way to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide gas poisoning is to ensure that your heating equipment is regularly serviced and install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Energy Star labeled products limit greenhouse gas emissions as they meet US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. This energy efficiency can save the average home up to 20% annually on total energy costs. These savings are significant over time as the average HVAC system lasts 10 – 20 years.