The least expensive forced-air system usually includes a single-stage furnace with a single-speed blower motor. The entire house is ducted as a single zone, and therefore has just one thermostat. If system is sized by a contractor who uses a rule-of-thumb formula to estimate heat loss and heat gain, homeowner can end up paying higher-energy bills for a noisier, less efficient system that provides uneven temperatures from room to room.

A quality forced-air system would probably include a Coleman two-stage furnace with a variable-speed blower motor.

The house would be separated into several zones, I recommend Arzel Zoning Systems, with separate thermostats, and air would be distributed through well-sealed, insulated ducts. In many cases, such an upgraded hot-air system will still cost less than a hydronic system.

5. Look for ENERGY STAR - ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.

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Daniel Gipe is President of Yours By Design Heating and Cooling, Inc. in Blaine, Minnesota.We are the best valued heating and air conditioning contractor in the north metro. We do the job right the first time. Coleman furnaces and air conditioners are by far yours by design. Visit us today; our website: www.ybdhc.com.