When you're trying to lower your utility bills, you might be tempted to reach for the thermostat.

That's a good instinct. Setting your thermostat strategically can help reduce your heating or cooling costs, but it's not the only way to spend less on energy. One big variable is built right into your HVAC system itself: energy efficiency.

"An efficient solution allows you to achieve the same outcome with less input," explains Cristi Pedotto , the portfolio director for Trane and American Standard residential ducted equipment.

One of the most efficient heating and cooling solutions on the market these days is a heat pump. In some conditions, these units can actually reach above 100% efficiency — usually in the range of 200% to 400% — allowing you to receive more energy than you put

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