| We hear so much about energy efficiency | | | | The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, in many |
| nowadays. Energy efficiency is about saving our | | | | cases, they improve the comfort level for you |
| environment and saving our money. How we got | | | | and your family by maintaining a constant |
| about practicing energy efficiency isnt always as | | | | temperature. |
| clear, though. Here, there, are the most | | | | People often ask if, since energy-efficiency helps |
| frequently asked questions about energy | | | | others, if there is assistance with the extra |
| efficiency, and their answers. | | | | up-front expense of installing energy efficient |
| The question most often asked is if buying | | | | appliances and products. The answer is that yes, |
| products such as appliances that are specifically | | | | there certainly is. |
| designed for energy efficiency cost more than | | | | Private financial firms offer loans for Energy Star |
| others? The answer is yes and no. | | | | products that have favorable interest rates and |
| While their initial purchase price is usually higher | | | | longer terms than those for standard cooling and |
| their energy efficiency reduces the bill to use | | | | heating equipment. Again, the Energy Star hotline |
| them, which, over time, generally saves money. | | | | or site will help find these loan providers. You may |
| Energy efficient products often perform better | | | | find as well that your local utility company just |
| than their less efficient competition, which means | | | | might offer you a rebate when you decide to |
| they may also last longer. | | | | purchase equipment that offers energy efficiency. |
| Another popular question is where to find | | | | Another common question about energy |
| products that are designed for energy efficiency | | | | efficiency is about finding the right contractor to |
| and how to recognize them. Recognition is easy. | | | | install the equipment. There are several things you |
| In the U.S. especially those appliances and other | | | | can do, which hold true for any contractor you |
| products that have been assessed by | | | | seek. |
| government professionals and determined to be | | | | The first is to ask for references and |
| energy efficient earn what is called an Energy | | | | recommendations of those you trust - friends, |
| Star, and that Energy Star is displayed on their | | | | family, business acquaintances, and coworkers. |
| packaging and on the product itself. | | | | Search the business directory of your local |
| To find products that have proven themselves | | | | newspaper or you local Yellow Pages carrier. |
| worthy of the energy-efficiency Energy Star is | | | | Eliminate those that arent licensed, bonded and |
| not difficult at all. In fact most retailers will carry | | | | insured. |
| them and most major manufacturers design | | | | Once youve narrowed down your search to a |
| them. You can also call a hotline that is toll free to | | | | few choices ask for, and check, references. |
| find where they can be purchased near you or | | | | Check with your Better Business Bureau or the |
| visit the U.S. governments Energy Star Web site. | | | | consumer protection agency for your state or |
| Many people ask about energy-efficiency products | | | | county to make sure consumers have not lodged |
| ability to keep their home comfortable. In other | | | | complaints against any of the contractors on your |
| words, will an energy-efficient air conditioner keep | | | | short list. As you inquire of each, ask about their |
| them as cool as those not rated for energy | | | | experience and expertise in energy efficiency, and |
| efficiency, and will the Energy Star branded | | | | then compare price, service, reputation and |
| heating system actually keep them warm? | | | | warranty. |