HEATING AND COOLING

However you heat your home or business, you'll use less energy if you have high-quality windows, good insulation and a tight duct system. In homes and businesses with forced-air heating systems, air leakage from ducts can have a significant impact.

Below are guides to energy-efficient heating and cooling from trusted sources:

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings: Condensed On-line Version

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Consumer's Guide, Space Heating and Cooling

Energy Savers, Heating and Cooling

Energy Star, Heat and Cool Smartly

The Rocky Mountain Institute

Registration is required to download these free publications.

Home Energy Brief #3, Space Cooling
Home Energy Brief #4, Space Heating

ENERGYguide

System Calc
Estimate the size and cost of a new heating or cooling system.
Thermo Calc
See how much you can save by turning down the thermostat.

Solar Systems
Many Washington residents are interested in finding out if a solar system is economical in our Northern climate. For more information, see the "Washington Consumer's Guide to Solar Electric Systems."

Additional reading:
"'Greener' heat sources cost money, save energy…" by Warren Cornwall, Seattle Times, November 28, 2005, p. A1.