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