 |
Change air filters in a forced air furnace once a month. If your system has a permanent air screen instead of a filter, periodically check the screen and vacuum or wash it when necessary. |
|
Insulate for year-round savings. No matter how you heat or cool your home, the load on the heating and cooling equipment can be reduced as much as 20% to 30% with adequate insulation. |
|
Draft-proof windows, doors and other sources or air leaks. Make a simple "draft detector" by clipping a piece of tissue paper to a coat hanger. Hold the coat hanger in front of a suspected crack; any movement of the paper indicates air leakage. Caulking and weather stripping can save approximately 10% on all energy costs. |
|
Regular maintenance and servicing will keep your furnace operating at peak efficiency. |
|
During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. |
|
Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable when home. |
|
By resetting your programmable thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day (for instance, while no one is home or while everyone is tucked in bed) you can cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent. |
|
Weatherize your home—caulk and weather strip any doors and windows that leak air. |
|
Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area. |
