Ready, set—summer savings
There are many ways to get a jump start on preventing high summertime bills and energy waste, from air conditioning to fans to thermostats.
Your prep list should include an annual tuneup of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system by an HVAC professional. This helps maximize your system’s efficiency and the lifespan of your equipment, reducing wasted energy and costs.
Make the call before it gets hot—some HVAC companies offer discounts for cleaning equipment during the months when they are less busy.
A dirty furnace filter can waste energy by causing your system to work harder—they are cheaper if you buy them in bulk. If you have a ductless heat pump, also known as a mini-split, the filter in the indoor unit, or head, should be cleaned. If you do it yourself, be sure to turn the unit off before removing the filter and let it dry completely before putting it back.
Thermostat settings
As we transition from cool to warm weather, keep an eye on your thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting cooling temperatures to 78 degrees when you are home and higher when you are away. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.
Use fans in the room you’re in during the day or when you’re sleeping. If your ceiling fan has a reverse function, make sure you flip the switch so it blows air down into the living space.
