Tag: featured-analysis
115 Articles
Tune-Up vs. Inspection: The Difference Contractors Rarely Bother Explaining
“Tune-up” and “inspection” aren’t the same service, even though contractors often use the terms interchangeably. Joe Lstiburek, Troy Osgood, and Sarah Smith break down…
Heat Pump Water Heaters: The System Quietly Doing Double Duty in Energy-Conscious Homes
Could swapping your water heater cut your energy bill by half — or does climate change the math? Eddie House, Dr. Laura Chappell, and…
A Beginner’s Guide to Your HVAC System’s Age — Why “Still Working” Doesn’t Mean “Still Efficient”
Still running doesn’t mean still efficient. Bob Vila, Dr. Jennifer D. Williams, and Mike Foti break down how to tell when your HVAC system’s…
Why Getting Three HVAC Quotes Can Actually Cost You More Than Picking the Right Contractor From the Start
Getting three HVAC quotes sounds like smart shopping — but it can actually backfire. Mike Haller, Sarah Johnson, and Tom O’Malley explain why chasing…
The ‘Set It and Forget It’ Energy-Saving Trick That Actually Costs More Than Adjusting the Thermostat Manually
Is leaving your thermostat on one constant setting actually costing you money? Megan W. Whelan, Tommy Lee, and Dr. Carla Mendez argue that “set…
Can a Mini-Split Really Heat a Room in Sub-Zero Weather? We Checked the Actual Spec Sheets
Can a mini-split actually keep a home warm in sub-zero weather, or is that asking too much? Dr. David Kraft, Jane Carter, and Tom…
Gas Furnace vs. Electric Furnace: The Debate Nobody Has Until Their Gas Line Needs Replacing
Nobody thinks about their furnace until the gas line fails — and then the gas-vs-electric debate hits all at once. Jim Gunshinan, Alison K.…
We Tracked One House’s Energy Use for a Year After Adding Attic Insulation — Here’s What Actually Changed
We tracked one home’s energy bills for a full year after adding attic insulation — and the results were real but not magic. Dan…