Heating & Cooling Saving Tips

Heating and cooling uses more energy than any other system in your home.  It can also be very costly. Usually, 45% of your utility costs go towards heating and cooling your home. Regardless to what type of heating and air conditioning system you may have, you can save money and increase your comfort level by properly maintaining your equipment.

Keep in mind that not only will an energy efficient furnace impact your energy bills, but also looking at your entire household will too. You can cut your energy use for heating and cooling with a combination of proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing and thermostat settings in your home. Listed below are some additional tips:

• Try setting your thermostat as low as you are comfortable in the winter and as high as you are comfortable in the summer.
• The filters on your furnace should be replaced once a month or as needed.
• Make sure baseboards heaters and radiators are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
• Have your radiators bleed once or twice a season.
• Heat resistant radiator reflectors should be placed between exterior walls and the radiators.
• Shades on your south facing windows should be open during the day so that sunlight can enter your home and closed at night to keep the chill out.
• Keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain.