Here are some energy saving tips for improving efficiency:
- Schedule preventative maintenance two times per year. This ensures your air conditioning and heating units perform at optimum levels.
- Invest in a programmable, easy-to-use thermostat like the Nest. Did you know that can save as much as 10%+ a year on your heating and cooling bills?
- Clean or replace filters monthly. Or, better yet, purchase a four-inch media filter that provides better IAQ that you don’t need to replace as often.
- Close blinds and shades during summer months. This keeps natural sunlight from heating your rooms. During winter months, open south-facing draperies and shades to allow sunlight to help warm your home.
- Add humidity to your home during the heating season. You will feel more comfortable at lower temperatures.
- Set all ceiling fans in reverse during summer months. Today, most ceiling fans use the same electricity as a 100-watt light bulb.
- Keep a minimum of two-foot clearance of shrubs/bushes/plants from your AC unit(s). This will allow for proper air flow to your unit.
- Install shrubs or trees at least three feet or more away from your AC unit(s) to shade the condenser if possible, but do not block airflow. An AC unit operating in the shade uses up to 10% less electricity than the same one in the sun.
- Insulate accessible heating ducts in unheated areas, such as the attic. Insulation minimizes heat loss during the winter.
- Minimize the use of bathroom fans and kitchen hood fans in the winter. A bathroom fan can suck all of the hot air out of the average house in little more than an hour.
- Make sure you properly insulate and seal your home.
- Don’t set your thermostat at a colder temperature setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
- Keep lamps away from the thermostat.
