home improvement
Hotter Summers and Rising Energy Costs: How Next-Generation Inverter Heat Pumps Can Provide Comfort and Savings
As heating and cooling systems are pushed to run for extended periods, energy use, especially for cooling, is increasing in demand and costing homeowners more. Modern, energy-efficient heat pump systems can help lower energy bills and support long-term savings.
(Feature Impact) In the past decade, temperatures have reached record highs, according to NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, resulting in hotter summers that last longer and put increasing strain on home HVAC systems. As heating and cooling systems are pushed to run for extended periods, energy use, especially for cooling, is increasing in demand and costing homeowners more.
Modern, energy-efficient heat pump systems, like those offered by Midea, one of the world’s largest producers of major appliances and a leading innovator in the HVAC industry, allow homeowners to easily replace existing, outdated central air units, mitigating the need for major electrical rewiring, ductwork or structural modifications. Utility rebate programs and government incentives can also help offset upfront costs, while the improved efficiency of a heat pump system can help lower energy bills and support long-term savings.
Rising Energy Costs Make Cooling More Expensive
Maintaining comfort during prolonged periods of heat is a growing financial burden. With heating and cooling accounting for about 43% of home energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems are one of the largest contributors to monthly utility bills. As systems run longer to keep up with extended heat, energy costs soar, making efficiency an increasingly key factor in managing overall household expenses.
Aging HVAC Systems Struggle to Keep Up
From 2000-2009, approximately 14.6 million homes were constructed, according to Statista research, many of which now have HVAC systems reaching replacement age. As these systems age, they become less efficient and require more energy to maintain the same comfort level. As cooling seasons lengthen and hotter temperatures become more common, this decline in performance can contribute to higher energy costs and reduced reliability.
According to ENERGY STAR, systems more than 10 years old may no longer operate as efficiently as newer models. For homeowners looking to replace aging equipment, Midea’s EVOX lineup is designed as a direct, drop-in replacement compatible with existing ductwork, thermostats and electrical infrastructure, delivering the benefits of modern inverter technology without the cost of a full system overhaul.
Smart Comfort Solutions to Support Homeowners’ Wallets
Modern heat pump technology offers a more cost-effective way to maintain home comfort while managing energy use. Unlike traditional systems such as furnaces and central air conditioners, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling in a single system and are designed to operate more efficiently across a wide range of temperatures.
Cold-climate inverter heat pumps can reduce reliance on auxiliary electric heat, helping improve overall system efficiency. Variable-speed heat pumps can also provide more consistent temperature control and improved dehumidification compared to standard central air conditioners.
Additional savings opportunities may be available through utility-based and state and local incentives, including tax credits for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements.
How to Know if a New System Will Reduce Energy Consumption
The cooling efficiency and energy consumption of central air conditioning systems can be compared by looking at the “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,” or “SEER.” Similar to a car’s miles per gallon rating, a higher rating means the system produces more cooling for every unit of electricity consumed. In 2023, DOE moved to SEER2, which is based on a stricter testing method that better reflects real-world conditions. Minimum regional SEER2 requirements for traditional central air conditions range from 13.4-14.3 and the DOE minimum for heat pump systems is 14.3. Higher-efficiency units offer SEER2 ratings of 16 and above.
Flexible Options for Every Home
As temperatures continue to rise and systems work harder to keep up, finding cost-efficient solutions is an increasingly important consideration. With solutions engineered for straightforward installation and compatibility with existing systems, ductwork and thermostats, Midea’s top-of-the-line EVOX lineup – available in All-Climate, Xtreme, Advance, Lite and PowerCool – is designed to adapt to changing conditions while delivering reliable, year-round performance and improved efficiency for those looking to upgrade aging equipment and manage long-term energy costs.
To learn more about how an inverter heat pump can provide improved efficiency and cost savings, visit MideaComfort.US to explore the full lineup.
SOURCE:
Midea
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Consumer Corner
5 Smart Ways to Prepare Your Home to Weather Storm Season
By readying your home for storm season in advance, you can prevent minor problems from turning into major damage. Consider these five tips to batten down the hatches when the skies are getting dark.
(Feature Impact) Whether your area is prone to thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes or other forms of severe weather, the best time to prepare is before the first raindrop hits. By readying your home for storm season in advance, you can prevent minor problems from turning into major damage.
Consider these five tips to batten down the hatches when the skies are getting dark.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Your roof has one job – to be a shield against the elements. Don’t wait for a storm to discover you have loose shingles that could fly off in high winds, cracked seals where the roof meets the walls or sagging gutters that aren’t capable of funneling water away from the house. Stay up to date on roof maintenance and clear leaves, twigs and other debris from gutters to prevent clogging.
Trim Trees and Landscaping
Dead trees or weak branches can break and turn into projectiles during storms, potentially causing damage to your house, car or nearby power lines. Next time you have yardwork on the agenda, factor storm preparation into your landscaping plans. Keep trees and bushes trimmed and consider bringing in a professional to assess the health of any trees near your home that could be at risk of toppling.
Strengthen Your Home’s Weak Spots
Windows and doors are some of the most vulnerable places during storms, so pay extra attention to weatherproofing there. Look for any cracks in the glass, check for worn seals or drafty areas and make sure doors close securely and don’t rattle. If you live in an area prone to strong winds or hurricanes, consider upgrading your home with storm shutters for extra peace of mind when debris starts flying.
Turn Your Yard Into a No-Fly Zone
When there’s bad weather in the forecast, you probably aren’t planning to go out and lounge on patio furniture as the skies open up – so pack it up. Secure any items that are too large to bring inside and check around the yard for lightweight items like gardening tools, toys and anything else that could become airborne during strong gusts.
Make a Power Outage Plan
During a storm, nobody wants to fumble around in the dark trying to find batteries for a dead flashlight. Save yourself the trouble by assembling an emergency kit to help your household get by without power if the lines go down. Know where to find flashlights, fresh batteries, power banks to charge your phones, nonperishable food and first-aid supplies or essential medications. If you plan to use a generator, test it and make sure you know how to use it before you need it.
Discover more tips to protect your home at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Health
5 Babyproofing Tips for Baby Safety Month
Babyproofing is about anticipating those discoveries before little ones make them. In honor of National Baby Safety Month, consider these tips you can use to make your home safer all year round.
5 Babyproofing Tips for Baby Safety Month
(Feature Impact) Outsmarting a baby can be harder than it sounds – especially when it comes to transforming your home into a safe place for them to explore. Through their eyes, a coffee table becomes a climbing opportunity, a dangling phone charger looks like a teething toy and a cabinet of cleaning supplies could be an exciting travel destination.
Babyproofing is about anticipating those discoveries before little ones make them. In honor of National Baby Safety Month, consider these tips to make your home safer all year round.
Install Gates and Doorknob Covers
Crawling babies and stairs are a bad combination. Make sure the two never have the chance to meet by securely installing safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases to thwart young explorers. Gates or doorknob covers can also block access to other rooms and areas you’d prefer to keep off limits, like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas.
Use Safety Latches Wisely
Cabinets and drawers can contain a myriad of dangerous items, from cleaning products to sharp objects and medications. Even if you have rooms gated off, treat safety latches and locked storage receptacles as a second line of defense to make sure babies and toddlers can’t rummage where they shouldn’t.
Stress-Test Furniture
As babies and toddlers transition from crawling to walking, they often try using furniture to pull themselves up. Tall or unstable objects like TV stands, small tables and bookshelves can tip over if they aren’t properly secured. Try giving these objects a shake to see whether they’re easily moveable or wobbly; if so, anchor them to the floor or wall when possible. While you’re at it, check for sharp corners at the right height to bonk little heads and cover them with softer edge protectors.
Cover Outlets and Stow Cords
Electrical outlets can be tempting targets for curious fingers. Outfit them with covers or plastic safety caps, especially if you don’t already have tamper-resistant receptacles with built-in mechanisms to block foreign objects from entering the slots. As you’re going about your outlet audit, pay attention to cords as well. When possible, tuck them away or secure them with cord organizing systems, and block access to objects like lamps where cords can be used for tugging and toppling.
See the World at Their Level
Although it might feel silly, one of the best ways to spot hazards around your home is to scout for them from a baby’s perspective. Try getting as close to the floor as you can then look around each room for anything that could interest a young child and pose potential danger. In particular, keep an eye out for small objects that could become choking hazards, like dropped coins, batteries or loose toy pieces.
As children grow, so do the needs of your space. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more ideas on designing your home to fit your family.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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home improvement
The New Rules of Remodeling: How to Balance Style, Durability and Cost
New Rules of Remodeling: Homeowners are approaching exterior remodeling with a sharper focus than ever before. Higher material costs, longer project timelines and a growing emphasis on long-term value are reshaping how they make decisions. The most effective projects begin with thoughtful planning and product selection while keeping an eye on long-term outcomes. To get a better understanding of these updated guidelines, consider this guidance.
The New Rules of Remodeling: How to Balance Style, Durability and Cost
(Feature Impact) Homeowners are approaching exterior remodeling with a sharper focus than ever before. Higher material costs, longer project timelines and a growing emphasis on long-term value are reshaping how they make decisions.
The “new rules of remodeling” are clear: Success depends on striking the right balance between style, durability and overall cost of ownership.
Curb appeal still matters, but not at the expense of performance or maintenance demands. Likewise, upfront savings mean little if materials require frequent repair or replacement. The most effective projects begin with thoughtful planning and product selection while keeping an eye on long-term outcomes.
To get a better understanding of these updated guidelines, consider this guidance from the home remodeling experts at Westlake Royal Building Products, a leader in the manufacturing of siding and accessories, trim and moulding, roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living.
Planning Takes Precedence
Digital tools are playing a larger role in helping homeowners make informed decisions earlier in the remodeling process. In fact, nearly 30% of homeowners plan to invest more than 10 hours researching before hiring a contractor, highlighting a shift toward more deliberate, front-loaded planning, according to Modernize’s 2025 Homeowner Insights survey. Platforms like Design Canvas reflect this change. The tool allows users to visualize exterior renovations using realistic previews, experiment with materials and color palettes and generate product lists, all before beginning construction.
This kind of planning reduces uncertainty and helps avoid costly mid-project changes, which is part of a broader trend: More homeowners are investing significant time toward researching projects upfront to ensure smarter, more efficient execution. Homeowners can now test design choices, align expectations with budgets and move forward with greater confidence.
“With the launch of our new website and Design Canvas, our goal was to create a seamless and inspiring experience that reflects the innovation and breadth of our product offerings,” said Steve Booz, vice president of marketing at Westlake Royal Building Products. “This is a launch pad where customers can explore everything Westlake Royal has to offer, discover the right products for their next project and bring their visions to life through creativity, education and interactive design.”
Durability is as Important as Style
Once the homeowner establishes a clear vision, material selection becomes the next critical step. That is particularly true for siding, which plays a central role in both aesthetics and protection.
Products like TruExterior Lap Siding demonstrate how manufacturers are responding to modern homeowner priorities. Designed to replicate the look of traditional cedar, it delivers the depth and shadow lines associated with classic wood siding, without the vulnerabilities that often come with it.
Its poly-ash composition provides resistance to warping, cracking and splitting while maintaining dimensional stability in varying climates. The material can be installed with standard tools, painted in a wide range of colors and even used in ground-contact applications. These attributes translate to lower maintenance requirements and fewer long-term repair costs.
This combination of aesthetic flexibility and durability directly supports the new remodeling framework. Homeowners no longer need to choose between appearance and performance. They can achieve both while staying within budget.
Cost and Timing are Still Deciding Factors
Timing and cost efficiency also factor into the equation. Projects that begin with clear planning and reliable materials tend to move more smoothly, avoiding delays tied to redesigns, product substitutions or unexpected maintenance considerations, which can also help keep the project on budget.
Ultimately, the new rules of remodeling are less about tradeoffs and more about alignment. Style, durability and cost are no longer competing priorities. Rather, they are interconnected elements of a successful project.
As the remodeling landscape continues to change, those who approach projects with this balanced mindset will be best positioned to achieve results that look better, last longer and cost less over the long haul. Explore products and design tools to assist with your next project at westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com.
SOURCE:
Westlake Royal Building Products
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