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 your filter when necessary, or clean it if you have the reusable type.  If you have a reusable filter, make sure it’s completely dry before you re-install it.

Remove Debris

Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris.  If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and debris away from your outdoor unit, it should only require minimal care.  Check the base pan (under the unit) and remove debris to help the unit drain properly.

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 moisture drains properly out from under the unit.

Insulation

Be sure your home is adequately insulated.  Adding insulation to attic areas is usually pretty easy.  Other areas, such as outside walls, provide a more challenging project if extra insulation is needed.

Seals

Check the seals around windows, doors, electrical outlets or any other potential sources for escaping air.  Seal these areas using a good quality caulk and be sure to re-examine your work every few years.

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.