12 Ways to Save Energy While Heating and Cooling Your Home

We all like comfort, but no one likes high energy bills. If you're looking for a few smart tips for lowering your monthly utilities, consider the following 12 suggestions for saving energy — and money — while heating or cooling your home:

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance For Your HVAC Equipment

Routine preventative maintenance is crucial to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system's proper performance, as well as its energy efficiency. So, have your system professionally checked and tuned up twice a year — once before cooling season and once before heating season. Consider signing up for a convenient preventative maintenance agreement with your local HVAC contractor.

2. Never Ignore An Improperly Functioning Heating Or Cooling System

If your system turns on and off continuously (called short cycling), makes strange noises, freezes up, or fails to properly heat, cool, humidify, or dehumidify your home, something is wrong. Your HVAC serviceperson should be able to diagnose the issue and make the repair, returning your equipment to proper functioning and ensuring that your system operates as efficiently as its age, condition, and energy efficiency level allow.

3. If Your Equipment Is More Than 10 Or 15 Years Old, Consider An Upgrade

HVAC knowledge advances quickly, and emerging technology yields new high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps that can help maximize your savings on utilities. For the most energy-efficient models, look for ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment. 

4. Make Sure Your System Is The Correct Size For Your Space

An undersized system will work harder than it should to heat or cool your home, wasting energy and possibly not providing sufficient heating or cooling. Oversized HVAC models can short-cycle, wasting energy through inefficient operation. Short-cycling also causes more wear and tear on the system, potentially increasing repair costs and shortening equipment life.

5. Make Sure Your System Matches Your Needs And Climate

Different types of equipment are effective in different climates, so talk to an HVAC professional before deciding which type to buy. Weather extremes and specific climatic features such as humidity level can make a big difference in the equipment that would be most effective for maintaining your indoor comfort.

6. Use Ceiling Fans In Winter And Summer

When used properly, ceiling fans can help you save money on energy. These fans are designed to revolve in one direction during summer and in the opposite direction during winter to help you get optimal efficiency from your HVAC system. Be sure yours is on the right setting for the season. Also make sure you turn the fan off when no one is in the room.

7. Install A Programmable Thermostat

The programmable thermostat is a useful device that can help you control your home's heating and cooling cycles more closely, making them mesh better with your family's routine and saving you money. By preprogramming your thermostat, based on when you expect to be gone and what time you generally arrive home, you won't need to remember to turn down the thermostat before you go out, and you should never have to deal with returning to an uncomfortable home.

8. Clean Or Change Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly

Dirty or blocked filters cut down your system's efficiency, making your equipment work harder and wasting energy. This simple maintenance task can make a big difference in your system's performance and economy.

9. Insulate Your Attic

Adding attic and attic hatch insulation can help prevent excessive heat from entering your home in summer, while blocking warm air loss in winter.

10. Insulate Ductwork That Runs Through Unconditioned Parts Of Your Home

Significant heating and cooling losses can occur if air ducts run through uninsulated basement, attic, or similar untreated areas.

11. Prevent Cool Or Warm Air Loss Through Building Cracks And Openings

Weatherize your home by sealing cracks and openings and weatherstripping doors and windows.

12. Make Sure You Understand How To Use Your System Correctly

If you have any questions at all about the proper use of your heating or cooling equipment, don't hesitate to ask your local HVAC specialist. HVAC systems can be complex, but your local heating and AC technician will be able to explain the correct principles and practices that will help you save money on utilities while keeping your family comfortable in winter and summer.

Laura Ginn knows that no matter where you live, you want to do your best to save money on the cost of heating your home, even when you are using Economy 7. Visit http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/economy-7/ to see how you could live more economically.