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  1. Home
  2. Savings
  3. Home Savings
  4. Save Energy
  5. Heating & Cooling

Heating & Cooling Tips

Keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter while remaining efficient is easy with these tips below.

Cooling Tips

  • Cover your windows (especially those facing south) during the day with light-colored shades and you could save 10-25% on cooling costs.
  • Move furnishings away from floor or return air vents.
  • Plant a tree outside to provide shade for your home.
  • Repair and apply weather strips to prevent air leaks in your home. Nearly 10-25% of energy used to cool homes escapes via leaks.
  • Add attic insulation if the joists are showing.
  • Have your HVAC system serviced or tuned-up annually to maximize efficiency and comfort.
  • Seal leaking ductwork throughout your home. Nearly 20% of air moving through duct systems is lost to leaks.
  • Replace your HVAC filter every month.
  • Install a smart thermostat, which automatically adjusts to energy saving temperatures.
  • Setting your thermostat five degrees higher can save you 20% on cooling costs.
  • Install ceiling fans to circulate cool air.
  • Install awnings on windows that get excessive sun in the late afternoon.
  • Avoid using heat-producing appliances such as ovens or dryers during the hottest parts of the day.

Heating Tips

  • Keep the outdoor component of your HVAC system clear of obstructions, including snow.
  • Have your furnace and ductwork inspected annually. Loose or broken ductwork accounts for 15-35% of a home’s energy loss.
  • Change furnace filters every month.
  • Add attic insulation if the joists are showing.
  • Unless your fireplace is equipped specifically for home heating, use it sparingly. Warm air escapes through the chimney.
  • Close the damper when you're not using your fireplace.
  • Install a humidifier and set it at 35% to 40% humidity in the winter. This will help your home feel warmer at a lower temperature setting.
  • Keep your heat pump clear of obstructions, including snow.
  • Vacuum or dust air registers regularly and make sure they’re not blocked by obstacles like furniture.
  • Install a smart thermostat, which automatically adjusts to energy saving temperatures.
  • Lower the thermostat during the day when no one is home and overnight while you are sleeping.
  • Open draperies and shades on south-facing windows to allow more sunlight and heat during the day.
  • Close draperies or shades at night to conserve heat.
  • Move furnishings away from floor or return air vents.
  • Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans sparingly. They can quickly pull warm air from your home.
  • Encourage members of your household to layer clothing rather than turn up the heat.
  • Open bathroom doors after taking a shower to allow warm, moist air to circulate.

Save energy with ENERGY STAR® heat pumps
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