Use A Programmable Thermostat
You can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for 8 hours per day. You can do this automatically, without sacrificing comfort, using a programmable thermostat. With the programmable thermostat you can pre-set it to call for less heat or air during the times when you won’t be at home. You can program a different schedule for each day of the week.
Check Your Filter
Check your filter each month. A dirty filter starves your system of air and causes excessive wear on your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump. Replace filter when necessary.
Remove Debris
Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris. If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and other debris away from your outdoor unit. Check the base pan (under the unit) and remove debris to help the unit drain properly; It will be more efficient and require fewer repairs.
Check Level
Make sure your outdoor condensing unit stays in a level position. If the support for your outdoor unit shifts or settles, re-level it to make sure water drains properly out of the unit.
Insulation
Be sure your home is adequately insulated. Adding insulation to attic areas is usually easy. Other areas, like outside walls, provide more challenging project if extra insulation is needed. If you're interested in more energy efficient insulation options, you should contact our Big Chief team.
Seals
Check seals around windows, doors, electrical outlets or any other potential sources for escaping air. Seal areas using a good quality caulk and be sure to re-examine your work every few years. If you're interested in making your seals more energy efficient, contact our Big Chief team.
Water Heater
Turn down the temperature on your water heater. If you set the temperature at 120º F or below, you will save about 4% of your energy cost per 10º that you lower the thermostat. When you go on vacation use the “vacation setting” on your water heater if available. For more water heater tips, visit our Water Heater Services page.