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Have you ever looked at the furnace in your Twin Cities area home and wondered how it gained the Energy Star label? (If it doesn’t have the Energy Star, then it’s time to start wondering why not.)

Why is the Energy Star label important? Products that carry the logo from the federal Energy Star program have gained distinction for both efficiency and performance. Products that have the Energy Star logo have to meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency. Furnaces in the northern part of the United States are required to have at least an AFUE rating of 95 percent to earn the Energy Star logo.

Many advanced features allow furnaces to perform more efficiently and make your home more comfortable. One of these features is a variable-speed blower motor, which allows the fan to move air at different speeds depending on heating demands at the moment. The ability to control airflow more precisely with a variable-speed furnace comes with five key benefits:

Minnesota winters can be long and bitter, so now’s the time to learn tactics for cutting your utility bills. The following 11-point checklist will help lower your bills all winter and beyond:

For efficient and reliable heating throughout a frigid Minnesota winter, a forced-air system is ideal for most homes. It delivers heated air from the furnace or heat pump in every part of your home, and can be utilized for air conditioning during the summer months.

When used in a central furnace set-up, a forced-air system works by pulling cold air into your furnace where it’s heated. The heated air is then blown through your ducts and forced out of the heat registers to warm your home.

If your furnace isn’t working, use this checklist before reaching for the phone to call your HVAC contractor. You might be able to get it working again, saving yourself some time and avoiding a service call. 

Many homeowners don’t know the best ways to boost the air quality of their home. Here’s a list of five easy ways to do exactly that:

In order to select the most efficient, cost-effective heating system for years to come, when you’re shopping for a furnace, consider these seven options, rather than simply the initial price:

Whole-house ventilation set-ups such as ERV and HRV systems afford you an economical, effective and comfortable means to bring fresh outdoor air into your Twin Cities home. This is especially important for homes that are tightly sealed to save energy and keep the cold weather outside.

A gas leak in your home puts you and your family in danger. The best way to prevent a gas leak is to have your gas burning appliances installed and then inspected annually by a licensed contractor. However, a professional can’t be in your home 24 hours a day, so be on the lookout for signs of a gas leak by relying on your senses.

Deciding on an HVAC system for your Twin Cities home may be one of the most complex tasks you’ll face. These systems are complicated, at best, and not something you have to choose often, unlike other major purchases such as vehicles. Use these five tips to start the process: