Keep your heating/cooling equipment well maintained by a professional service representative. Ask your representative how to operate the equipment to maximize efficiency.
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 a 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.
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.
