High-performance windows not only provide reduced annual heating and cooling bills; they reduce the peak heating and cooling loads as well. The peak load for a building is the maximum requirement for heating or cooling at one time. These loads determine the size of the furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, and fans that must be installed. Reducing peak load may allow homeowners to install a smaller heating or cooling system. Smaller HVAC systems cost less and as such can offset some of the cost of the efficient windows. The graphs below show HVAC system sizing for an average size home in Phoenix and Minneapolis. In the Phoenix example, using low-solar-gain low-E windows may allow cooling equipment to be two tons smaller than with single-pane windows and at least one ton smaller than with clear double-pane windows. Even in the Minneapolis example, window choices can impact cooling equipment size by up to a ton. In any homebuilding or remodeling project it is important to properly size the HVAC system to ensure that the equipment runs efficiently and provides the best comfort.