Energy Efficiency

Browse our articles about energy efficiency

August 27, 2026

Ductwork and Why New HVAC Sometimes Disappoints

A new furnace or heat pump connected to leaky, undersized ducts delivers a fraction of what it should. The ducts are usually the cheaper half of the fix.

What Goes On Behind Siding

The visible material is roughly half of a siding job. House wrap, flashing, sheathing repair, and insulation are where quotes diverge and where failures start.

Attic Insulation and Air Sealing Before Winter

Sealing air leaks costs a fraction of what insulation costs and usually matters more. Doing them in the wrong order wastes most of the money.

Water Heater Replacement: Tank, Tankless, or Heat Pump

Three technologies, three very different price tags, and a decision most people make in a panic. Here is how the options compare and what drives the quote.

Federal Home Energy Tax Credits Ended: What Changed for 2026

The two federal credits homeowners used for solar, heat pumps, windows, and insulation no longer apply to 2026 projects. Here is what replaced them.

What Solar Payback Looks Like Without the Federal Credit

With the federal residential solar credit gone for 2026 projects, payback now depends almost entirely on local rates and incentives. Here is how to read a proposal.

Net Metering Changes Are Reshaping Home Solar Quotes

What your utility pays for exported solar power now drives the economics more than the equipment does. Here is why proposals increasingly include a battery.

State Heat Pump Rebates Are Running on Different Clocks

Federally funded home energy rebates are administered by states, and availability varies sharply. Some have run out, others have not launched.

ENERGY STAR Moved to a New Agency: What the Label Means Now

The efficiency label homeowners use to compare windows and equipment changed hands in 2026. The criteria did not change, but the context did.

HVAC Sizing and the Manual J Load Calculation

An oversized system costs more, runs worse, and leaves the house humid. Here is what a Manual J calculation is and why you should insist on one.

Heat Pump or Furnace: How to Compare for Your Climate

The comparison most homeowners make is the wrong one. Here is how to weigh a heat pump against a furnace and air conditioner using your own fuel prices.

Do Home Batteries Make Sense With Solar?

Storage is increasingly bundled into solar proposals. Here is when a battery earns its cost, when it is a backup purchase, and what to check before adding one.

Understanding Window Energy Ratings

U-factor, SHGC, visible transmittance, and air leakage are on every NFRC label. Here is what each one means and which matters most in your climate.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, or contracting advice. Project costs, materials, timelines, and availability vary by location and provider. Always confirm details, licensing, and pricing directly with a qualified local professional before starting any project.