Heating & Cooling Your Home

Heating Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

• Heating your home with electricity?

  Electric heat is usually the most costly way to heat your home. If you are thinking about purchasing a new heating system, look for ENERGY STAR^® qualified equipment. These are the most energy efficient models on the market. Check out our incentives to switch from electric heat to natural gas.

• Replace furnace filters when they are dirty.

  Spending a little on a new filter will go a long way toward maintaining the efficiency of your furnace.

• Have your furnace serviced periodically.

  Typically, gas systems and heat pumps need a checkup every two years. Oil-fired systems need annual maintenance.

• Keep radiators and baseboards free and clear.

  These are often in or near the floor, and can easily end up behind a dresser or bed, or even hidden under a rug or pile of clothes. Heat needs to circulate to reach other areas of the house, especially with a forced air system.

• Close dampers.

  When you're not using the fireplace make sure the damper is closed. An open damper will draw air out of the house-this is especially problematic in the winter, when you're paying to heat that air.

• Lower the thermostat when you're not home, and when you're asleep.

  Whether you are away for the day, on vacation, or just asleep for the night-your house does not need to stay at one temperature. It costs less to reheat your home than to keep it warm constantly. Make it easier: get a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature for you. For each degree you turn the thermostat down in the winter (around the clock) you save about 2% on your bill.

• On sunny days, take advantage of free heat.

  Open the blinds, shades, and curtains and let the sun in to keep your home warmer.

• Too hot? DON'T open your windows; turn down the thermostat instead.

  If you open the window, you will lose the heat that you already paid for. In addition, the heating system will pump out even more heat until the window is closed or the thermostat is turned down.

• Get a better understanding of your home's energy use

  to decide which energy efficiency options would work best for you. A Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® certified contractor can evaluate your house and show you specific ways to save energy and reduce your monthly bills.

• Seal up drafts.

  Sealing up windows and doors is a relatively inexpensive and easy task. Windows and doors can be sealed with caulk and weather stripping for adequate protection against the elements. If you feel a draft, that's a sign that additional sealing is needed. Inspect the caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows and replace anything that is cracked or damaged. Consider hiring a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® certified contractor.

• Seal leaks in air ducts.

  Many duct systems are leaky even when newly installed. When these leaks are in unheated areas of your home (attics, basements, garages, etc.), they can contribute tremendously to your energy bill. Examine duct work that is easily accessible and replace deteriorated duct tape where necessary. It's ideal to use long-lasting mastic sealant (a gooey liquid), but simple duct tape can do the job - it just won't last as long.