From your attic to your front door, there are plenty of ways to save energy at home. Here are some simple ways to help ensure your home is comfortable and energy-efficient:
Year-Round Tips
- Replace your air filter monthly. A dirty filter can restrict air flow and cause your system to work harder than it needs to.
- Remove obstructions, such as furniture, away from air vents and return registers. Obstructions can slow or hinder air circulation.
- Install a programmable thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature in your home higher when you’re away or at work. Your air conditioner won’t run as often, so you’ll save energy when you’re not home.
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater. Water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 120 degrees provides comfortable hot water for most uses.
- Have a certified HVAC professional check your air conditioning and heating system annually. An inspection can help control energy costs and prevent costly maintenance.
- Consider a home service plan to protect your air conditioning and heating system. With a home service plan, when something breaks down, a trained and certified technician will make the necessary repairs and help keep your system running efficiently year-round.
Summer Tips:
Long, hot summer days can add stress to your system, making it work longer and harder than normal. Here are some ways to save energy during the warmest months of the year.
- Give appliances a break during hot afternoons and evenings. Appliances create added heat and moisture, which makes your air conditioner work harder to keep your home cool.
- Close windows, entry doors, draperies and blinds early in the day, before the sun has a chance to warm up the inside of your home.
- Don’t overcool. Do not turn your thermostat lower than normal to cool your home faster. It does not work and wastes energy.
- Use floor and ceiling fans to create a light breeze to keep you and your family comfortable.
- An exterior unit will operate better and more economically if it is shaded by trees.
Winter Tips:
The cold winter months present unique challenges to the systems in your home. Use these tips to keep your home running safe and efficiently during the coldest months of the year.
- Use caulk, weather-stripping and insulation to seal air leakage sites, such as attics or around doors and windows.
- Measure attic insulation and make sure it’s at least 6” thick over the heated part of your home.
- Before winter, turn off outside water valve, drain water and disconnect hoses to protect your pipes.
- Clean rain spouts and gutters, freeing them of leaves and other debris.
