AUSTIN, Texas - What do homeowners do when they move into a brand-new house and discover that their heating and cooling systems are not keeping them comfortable? Not only are the occupants uncomfortable, they're paying an arm and a leg in energy costs for the privilege.

This was the problem faced by a young family in Wimberley, Texas; they decided that after eight months in a new home, something had to be done about their comfort levels and utility bills. After doing some research, the homeowners initially thought a high-efficiency, air-to-air heat pump would best replace their electric furnace and air conditioner.