Heat & Cool Efficiently

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

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Clean & Change your air filter regularly

Check your filter every month, especially during months of heavy use. If the filter looks dirty be sure to clean it. You can do this with a vacuum or wash it with water. If the material has holes or appears to be falling apart you should replace it! A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Service your HVAC equipment yearly
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your fuel consumption, a yearly service of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $100 every year in energy costs.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts

Ducts that move air to-and-from a ducted unit often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more. Focus first on sealing ducts that are easy to access. These sometimes run through the attic, crawlspace, basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. A proven method of finding leaks, particularly for under floor ducted heating systems is to have the heating running for at least thirty minutes. Then crawl around under the floor, taking note of any warm spots you encounter. Inspect the ducts nearby for leaks or damage and repair as necessary.

Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment

If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, you should have it looked at. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned an energy star rating. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating and cooling units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.