How to Save Money Heating and Cooling Your Home

These days, we're all looking for ways to save money and conserve our natural resources. One of the big issues we keep hearing is how to save money heating and cooling your home. We've done some research and come up with the following energy efficiency tips.
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How to Save Money Heating and Cooling Your Home

The expense of heating and cooling a home contributes an average of 43% to natural gas and electricity bills according to the Department of Energy. Consequently, it takes more than an energy-efficient system to save money. By adopting a "whole-house approach," which combines maintenance and upgrades with the right kind of air sealing, insulation and thermostat settings, total energy use and heating and cooling costs can be reduced.

How to save money heating and cooling your home long term

  • Choose energy-efficient products when purchasing heating and cooling equipment. The 'Energy Star' designation recognizes appliances that meet strict energy-efficient guidelines without sacrificing features, style or comfort.
  • For an air conditioner, look for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The minimum is 13, but more energy-efficient products are 14 or more.
  • Attic insulation of R-19 or more is considered the best protection against unnecessarily high cooling and heating costs.
  • Windows treatments can block or add heat. Use blinds, curtains, or shades depending on the season and whether you want the heat from the sun or not. Blackout and insulated curtains also reduce heat loss during the winter.

How to saving money heating and cooling your home every day

  • Weather-strip windows and doors.
  • Replace window screens with solar screens or shades.
  • Wrap insulation around heating and cooling ductwork and secure with duct tape.
  • Use ceiling fans in the counter-clockwise direction during the summer, clockwise in the winter.
  • Ovens and stoves heat up the house; cook and bake early in the day. Using microwaves and slow cookers will avoid adding heat as well.
  • Inspect, clean or change air filters monthly; dirty filters can increase costs and overwork equipment.
  • Lower the temperature of your hot water heater to 120°. If your dishwasher doesn?t have a water heating booster, then set it at 140°. Consider replacing tanks that are 10+ years with an Energy Star model.
  • Plant tall shrubs or deciduous trees around your home to provide shade.
  • Make sure you are getting the best price plan available from your electricity company and natural gas company. If you live in a deregulated area, monitor special offers.
  • When you leave the house, adjust the temperature by at least 5° or install a programmable thermostat to moderate temperatures automatically.

Interested in energy efficiency?

Read more about how to lower your electric bill.

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