Money Saving Heating and Cooling Tips

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 43% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling. With the high temperatures we experienced this past summer and the cold temperatures that are sure to follow this winter, it's important to get the most out of your heating and cooling systems. You can save on your energy bills by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment, but that alone is not as effective as combining it with a whole-house approach.

Tips for Heating and Cooling

Use a programmable thermostat as you only need your air conditioner or furnace to run when you are home. Set timers to come on no more than 30 minutes before you arrive at home. Try to keep your summer thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and your winter at 68 degrees or lower to maximize your energy savings. Avoid placing lamps and televisions close to your thermostat as the heat from these appliances may cause your air conditioner to run longer.

Use draperies or window shades to capture or repel heat. In the winter, use heavy drapes to block drafts. Open them when the sun is shining to draw in the solar heat and close them when it is dark and cloudy outside to trap heat in the room. Keep your window coverings closed during the summer to offset the increase in heat from the sunlight pouring in. However, if the outside air is cooler than the inside and humidity is low, by all means, open the windows and let nature be your air conditioning!

Insulate your doors and windows against heat and cold. Seal any drafts around doors and windows with weather-stripping. If air is still flowing, cover the windows with plastic in the winter. Proper insulating is just as important in the summer to keep the heat out.

Plant trees and shrubs to shade your home. Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep your house cool in the summer and allow the sunlight to warm the house during the winter. For example, just three trees, properly placed around a house, can save between $100 and $250 annually in cooling and heating costs.

Maintenance : There are many safety items and operational devices in your home comfort system. According to the E.P.A. you should have your heating system checked and serviced annually to keep it safe and operating as efficient as possible. In most cases the cost of this service will be saved in lower operating expenses, less likelihood of equipment malfunction, not to mention that you will know you are protecting your family.

Air Filters : Your home furnace filter needs to be changed on a regular basis. How often depends on variables such as type of filter, operating time of system, and occupancy of home. Your filters main objective is to protect your comfort system from harmful dirt and particles. With many type of filters you can receive the added advantage of helping resolve allergy and other health issues your family may have. As a rule less expensive 1" filters should be changed monthly and other filters can last from 90 days to 1 year.

Try out some of these handy tips for summer and winter and watch your energy bill fall and your comfort level rise!

Indianapolis Real Estate