(NAPSI)—As homeowners consider ways to “live green”, many may be surprised to learn the powerful effect home heating has on achieving optimal energy and cost efficiency.

Fortunately, home builders know HVAC is a key to living green—a full 87 percent of builders and remodelers consider energy-efficient systems vital to green building, according to a recent National Association of Home Builders report.

So how do you choose a home heating solution that’s both Earth and financially friendly? Here are a few hints that can help.

Selecting the optimal climate control system is critical with home heating using more energy and costing more money than any other system in your home—typically making up nearly half your utility bill. There are several types of heating systems that range from blowing hot air through ductwork to piping hot water through your floor. Forced-air systems, the most common, heat quickly and evenly, but many are not energy efficient and some users complain that moving air is noisy and blows allergens around the house. In addition, they require ductwork, which many older homes don’t have. Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—Seniors enrolling in Medicare often are surprised to discover that most Medicare health and prescription drug plans are measured by a five-star rating system. Much like a reviewer guide to restaurants or hotels, Medicare plans are ranked from a low of one star to a high of five stars. The overall ratings provide an easy and intuitive way to help people evaluate and compare both the quality of the product being offered and the overall experience of real-life consumers.

Developed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Star Rating system is based on member surveys as well as information provided by doctors, health care providers, and Medicare’s regular monitoring activities. The standards are evaluated on an annual basis and are built to drive continuous improvement in the health care system and better health outcomes for Medicare enrollees. Continue reading →

Home And Family

(NAPSI)—The holiday season is a joyous time of year for millions of Americans across the country. Within the next month, online orders will be made, packages will arrive on doorsteps, and families will leave town to visit relatives or take a holiday vacation. While these may seem innocuous, criminals may see the holiday season as a time to capitalize on gift-giving and holiday vacations.

Daniel Barry, University of Phoenix Las Vegas Campus chair for security & criminal justice programs and a retired Las Vegas Metro police captain, says Americans need to be on higher guard this time of year when criminals can be more active. There are simple ways families can protect themselves and their loved ones, he says. Continue reading →