With the dark ages behind us for good, utility bills have become as predictable as night and day. We enjoy the conveniences provided by electric power, but with the constant rise in prices, the bills generated by the use of our fondest appliances can be frightening. With the drastically changing weather conditions, most people would find it difficult to survive without a reliable HVAC unit. It’s great to be warm in winter and cool in summer, so having a more energy efficient form of heating and cooling, is an excellent idea. A heat pump is something which offers this option. Rather than generating heat and cold like the typical HVAC system, the heat pump transfers warm or cold air to the required space, as necessary. The heat is drawn from the earth or surrounding air, using a relatively small amount of energy in the process. The heat pump works much like a refrigerator but though it’s called “heat pump” it’s able to supply hot and cool air. Another advantage of a heat pump is that you don’t need to install a furnace for heating and AC for cooling, so you spend less. I happen to live in a moderate climate which is perfect for heat pump use. I do love my standard HVAC unit and the wonderful air quality it provides. But if I can get a similar service from a machine which is equally efficient though less complex, why not? In any case, I must do something positive to cut my energy costs. If I don’t, it will be lights out for me!