- When it comes to saving on home air conditioning and heating, there are a number of signs to look for that will tell you when it's necessary to take action to save energy and money. If you find that room temperatures vary noticeably, there may be problems with your home's insulation, sealing or ductwork. Replace aging, noisy heating and cooling equipment with newer, more energy-efficient models.
- Never waste energy cooling or heating an empty home. During cold months, turn the thermostat down when you are away from home. Turn down the thermostat at night and wear heavy pajamas, or pile on extra blankets to keep cozy and warm. In the summer, turn off the air conditioner when you are out of the house. Take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures and reduce your reliance on air conditioning units. Investing in a programmable thermostat is a relatively inexpensive way to gain greater control over you the amount of energy you use to heat or cool your home.
- Weatherizing your home can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). On average, weatherization reduces home heating bills by 32 percent, and annual energy costs by an estimated $350 per year. Weatherization can involve sealing the exterior of your home to prevent air leaks, replacing insulation and upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Other measures may include making improvements to ductwork, and making other repairs designed to improve the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling systems.
- Most households can save energy simply by switching to Energy Star-certified home heating and cooling products. In 2008 alone, Energy Star products and services helped Americans save $19 billion on utility bills. Look for the Energy Star seal when purchasing air conditioners, boilers, fans, furnaces, heat pumps and programmable thermostats. The Energy Star website also offers a number of informational resources designed to help consumers save energy on home cooling and heating.
