Though industry leaders agree that the provisions will probably be renewed, it may not happen for a while, which would again leave some manufacturers, distributors, and contractors in limbo.

Just as no two houses are exactly the same, neither are the homeowners who live there. While one may have the resources to make all the energy-efficient improvements to the house at once, another may have to make selective upgrades over time.

We asked the contractors on our editorial advisory board to share which products they believe truly deserve to be called smart — and why.

Instead of just reading the literature or talking to their distributor about the product, some contractors are literally bringing their work home with them by installing these products inside their own residences.

As PV panels are becoming more efficient, more advanced, and less expensive, so are many of their components. 

Well-trained comfort consultants should not only point out all the benefits that come with a properly installed, highly efficient furnace, but they should take the opportunity to build trust with the homeowners so they feel comfortable investing in a more expensive system.