Heating and cooling account for 50 percent of home energy use! There are many simple things you can do to reduce the amount of wasted dollars falling out of your wallet.

 

Windows and Doors:


1.    Keep your windows and doors closed during the summer months to keep in the cool air, as well as in the winter to keep in the heat.

2.    Weatherize your doors and windows; this will also reduce cold and hot air loss.

For more information on Storm Doors, click here. For energy-efficient windows, click here.

 

Insulation and Air Ducts:


3.    Insulate! Insulation makes a difference in keeping your home cool or hot. A well-insulated home saves a considerable amount of money on the costs of heating and cooling a home.

4.    Seal your air ducts. This will also make a significant difference on heating and cooling bill.

 

Thermostats:


5.    Control your thermostat. Keeping your thermostat at a cool 68 degrees F or lower in the winter and 78 degrees F or higher in the summer reduces energy bills.

6.    Dress warmly in the winter and use more blankets at night, allowing you to turn down your thermostat.

7.    Install a programmable thermostat, which allows you to more closely control the temperatures in your home.

8.    Reduce the thermostat for the rest of the house if you utilize electric space heaters in the rooms most used. Make sure the space heater has an auto-shutoff to prevent overheating and potential fire risk.

For more information on the importance of turning down your thermostat, click here.

 

Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, and Other Heat Sources:


9.    If it’s time for a new air conditioner or heat pump, invest in new, energy-efficient models. Savings can be realized within a year or two.

10.    Install a screen over your air conditioning unit, as long as it doesn’t interfere with its operation. This step provides up to a 10% efficiency increase.

 

Other Important Energy-Saving Tips:


·    Change your filters frequently; dirty filters make your system work that much harder. If you regularly maintain your heating and air systems in general, they will run smoother and cost less in the long run.

·    For those with radiators, installing reflectors between the wall and radiator helps reduce heat loss through exterior walls. Foil-covered cardboard reflectors are easy to find at most hardware stores.

·    If you have a fireplace, use it wisely! Make sure that they are sealed properly. Also, converting to a wood-burning stove helps reduce costs.

·    Turn off kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans as soon as you are done with them.

·    Install ceiling fans to stay cool in the summer as they create a “wind chill effect.”

·    Consider your roofing material carefully when building your house or replacing an old roof. If properly installed, a metal roof absorbs less heat, saving on energy.

Check out more information on Fireplaces here.

Image source:  www.morrisheatingandair.com