Heating & Cooling
Your Biggest Home Energy Cost and Your Biggest Opportunity to Save
Heating and cooling account for most (58%) of household energy use. Choosing the right system is critical for comfort, lower bills, and reduced environmental impact. Maryland homeowners have various traditional and sustainable options to explore.
Simple behavior changes can significantly reduce energy costs before you invest in any upgrades. Set your thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower it while you sleep or when you are away. In summer, set it to 78°F when you are home and slightly higher when you are away. Use ceiling fans to feel cooler without lowering the thermostat — and remember to reverse fan direction in winter to circulate warm air. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust your heating and cooling schedule and most can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app.
Maryland winters require a dependable heating system. Understanding your options helps you make the right choice for your home and budget. Furnaces heat air and distribute it throughout your home via ductwork — look for models with an AFUE rating of 90% or higher for gas and 85% for oil. Boilers heat water circulated through radiators or underfloor heating and are ideal for homes with radiant floor heating — look for models with an AFUE rating of 85% or higher. Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating it, making them one of the most efficient options available for both heating and cooling. Wood and pellet stoves can provide backup heat and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
During Maryland’s hot, humid summers, effective cooling ensures healthy air quality and prevents heat-related health problems. Central air conditioners distribute cool air throughout your home via ductwork — look for models with a SEER rating of at least 15. Ductless mini-split systems provide targeted cooling without ductwork and allow you to cool specific rooms independently. Natural ventilation using ceiling fans and attic fans can supplement air conditioning and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
Heat pumps are highly efficient and environmentally friendly, providing both heating and cooling. Air-source heat pumps extract heat from outside air even in cold temperatures. Ground-source geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s stable temperature for even greater efficiency. Wood and pellet stoves offer a renewable fuel option and can provide backup heat during power outages.
Schedule annual inspections for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump to ensure it operates at peak efficiency. Replace HVAC filters regularly — a clogged filter makes your system work harder and use more energy. For cooling systems, keep the outdoor compressor unit clean and ensure ductwork is properly sealed without sags or excessive bends.
Maryland residents can benefit from various rebates and incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. EmPOWER Maryland offers rebates for high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps, as well as home energy audits. The BGE Smart Energy Savers Program offers rebates on high-efficiency air conditioning units and smart thermostats. Federal tax credits are available for qualifying energy-efficient heating and cooling improvements. The CEA Loan Program offers 0% APR financing for the first 24 months on qualifying heating and cooling upgrades.
Not Sure Which System Is Right for Your Home?
A home energy audit can help you identify the most impactful improvements for your specific home and budget.