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Heating, Cooling, and Water

Saving energy doesn't mean freezing in the winter or sweating all summer long. You can save energy and money while improving the environment in your home. In this section you'll find tips for updating and maintaining your home for increased energy efficiency all year long.

1. Run ceiling paddle fans on medium, blowing down in summer.
2. Do not use roof-top power ventilators for attic exhaust as they may evacuate conditioned air from your home.
3. Remove and clean window air conditioner (A/C) filters monthly.
4. In two-story homes serviced by one HVAC system, a paddle fan at the top of the stairs can push down hot, second-floor air.
5. Listen closely to your air conditioner while it's running to check its efficiency. You should be able to hear if the fans are turning off too quickly or if it never stops running. In either case, it's probably time to have a technician inspect the unit.
6. Sign up for cycled air conditioning for a credit on your electric bills during summer months.
7. With the proper humidity level, you can turn your thermostat up and save energy, while still feeling comfortable. With more humidity, you feel warmer at lower, energy-conserving room temperatures (68 degrees F to 70 degrees F).
8. Use a fan with your window air conditioner to help spread cool air throughout your home.
9. It is better to turn off your air conditioner if you'll be gone for more than four hours. It costs more to maintain your home's temperature than to re-cool it.
10. Keep lamps or television sets away from the air conditioning thermostats. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

Find out how much energy you're using and get even more tips using our Heating and Cooling System Comparison Calculators.