Heating and cooling systems are some of the most important investments you'll ever make in your home. Whether you're buying a new house, renovating an old home or making an emergency heating and air conditioning purchase. Ask your builder, installer or heating and air conditioning professional about the Energy Guide label and the fact sheets or heating and air conditioning product directories for each system you're considering. Compare the energy efficiencies and operating costs of competing models of heating and air conditioning units. Consider both the purchase price and estimated operating costs when you decide what heating and air conditioning unit to buy. Most of the differences are on the inside in the motors, compressors, pumps and valves. So even if two models look the same from the outside, these less-obvious features can mean a big difference in your monthly utility bills.
To maximize your energy savings without sacrificing comfort, you can install an automatic setback or programmable thermostat to your air conditioning. They adjust the temperature setting for you. While you might forget to turn down the heat before you leave for work in the morning, a programmable thermostat will not! By maintaining the highest or lowest required temperatures for four or five hours a day instead of 24 hours, a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in energy saved within four years. They adjust heating or air conditioning turn-on times as the outside temperature changes.
Because programmable thermostats are a relatively new technology, you should learn as much as you can before selecting a unit. When shopping for a thermostat, bring information with you about your current unit, including the brand and model number.
The total cost of an appliance has three components -- the purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it. The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run and the lower your utility bills. Using less energy is good for the environment, too; it can reduce air pollution and help conserve natural resources.
These are some additional tips on keeping your utility bill low:
Shade your room air conditioner from direct sun. This will reduce its workload.
Clean the filters monthly and replace as necessary to save energy and reduce dust and pollen in the air. Lower the setting when you go out to reduce operating costs.
Vacuum air vents, baseboard heaters and radiators regularly to remove dust that reduces heating efficiency.
Move furniture, carpet or curtains that restrict their operation. If your baseboard heaters have movable deflectors or vents, open them in the winter and close them in the summer.
Schedule annual tune-ups for your heat pump, furnace or boiler. Check to see if your utility company provides this service.
Hire a professional to seal and insulate leaky ducts, and to ensure that the airflow distribution system serving your heating or cooling equipment is operating at peak efficiency.
Check your attic, attic stairway, attached garage walls and basement to ensure that you have proper insulation between conditioned and unconditioned spaces.
Open your foundation vents each spring if your home has a crawl space under it. Close the vents in the winter. Prune back shrubs that may block airflow to your air conditioner or heat pump.
Consider installing ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes cooling in the summer and heating efficiency in the winter.
Also ask your Heating and Air Conditioning professional about the benefits of air duct cleaning, air purification and solar heating.