Be energy wise year round!
- Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower in the winter & 78° or higher in the summer. Each degree higher or lower can significantly increase your heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer.
- Check air filters monthly and change when dirty. Leave interior doors open and don’t close vents to allow adequate air flow through your HVAC system.
- Periodically check your ducts for leaks or tears. Repair fallen or crushed duct work and use mastic (a plaster-like substance found at your local hardware store) to seal leaks.
- Have your central heating and cooling system serviced annually by a professional. This can extend the life of the system while maintaining optimum efficiency.
- Upgrade your attic insulation to a minimum of R-38 (12-14 inches), which can help save on heating and cooling costs.
- Caulk, seal, and weather-strip around all seams, cracks and openings to protect against drafts. Pay special attention to windows and exterior doors.
- Set your water heater to 120°F and periodically visually inspect the unit for leaks.
- Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), which use up to 75% less energy.
- Unplug appliances, lights, TVs, computers, etc. when not in use.
- Programmable thermostats (when programmed properly) can allow you to conveniently maintain the comfort of your home when you’re there and reduce energy costs when you’re not. Buy a programmable thermostat specifically designed for your HVAC unit.
For more tips, read our Energy Saving Tips Brochure (PDF, 2.4MB)
