Home Energy Conservation: Heating and Cooling

Save Money with These Home Energy Efficiency Tips

  • Keep your heating/cooling equipment well maintained by a professional service representative. Ask your representative how to operate the equipment to maximize energy savings.
  • Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher during the summer months. Your energy bill can increase up to four percent for each degree lower than 78.
  • During the colder months, set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower. Your bill can increase up to four percent for each degree higher than 68.
  • If you have an inefficient central heating/cooling system, consider replacing the system with an Energy Star system or other high-efficiency heat pump. 
  • Make sure your central air conditioning system or window unit is properly sized for the area to be cooled.
  • If you have central air conditioning, do not close unused rooms or close the air vents in rooms; the system will be less efficient and cost more to operate.
  • Clean or replace window unit and central heating/cooling system filters monthly. Dirty filters cause the equipment to work harder, and use more energy.
  • Keep shrubbery, leaves, etc., from blocking the air flow around the air conditioning condenser coil to improve efficiency and energy savings.
  • Clean the outside condenser coil on your air conditioning system once a year. To clean the coil, use the thermostat to turn off the unit and then spray the coil with low pressure water. (High water pressure may damage the coil fins.)
  • In the summer, keep drapes, shades, or blinds closed on windows facing south or west during the hottest time of the day.
  • In colder months, open the southern-facing drapes, shades, or blinds to allow the sun’s warmth to heat your home, and when the sun goes down, close them to keep the warmth inside.
  • When using a higher thermostat setting, use ceiling fans to increase your level of comfort. Use fans in occupied rooms only; fans cool people, not rooms.
  • Don’t place lamps or televisions near a thermostat.
  • Make sure the attic is properly insulated and ventilated.
  • Plant shade trees strategically around your home. Properly selected and planted shade trees can reduce heating and cooling costs.