Programmable thermostats can save you money by raising the air conditioning temperature while you sleep and while you're away. Whether you want a different setting for weekdays and weekends, or want to schedule settings for each day of the week, there’s a model to fit every lifestyle.
Air sealing, specifically weatherstripping, eliminates drafts to save energy while improving air quality and comfort. Weatherstripping reduces air leakage by creating a tight seal between movable components such as doors and windows. Most types of weatherstripping are easy to install. Before application, you’ll need to detect air leaks and assess your ventilation needs. Detect air leaks through a blower door test from a qualified technician or find leaks yourself from visual inspections inside and outside the home.
The average homeowner can pay over $1,000 a year in cooling and heating costs, which is nearly half of a home’s total energy bill. No matter the age of your home, it's a good idea to inspect what insulation you have and evaluate whether you need to make some additions or adjustments to save on heating costs. You can learn about adding insulation to an existing home here.
Save on heating costs by using an ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fan to better circulate air. A ceiling fan can push the hot air that has risen back down towards you, on the floor.
During the winter, set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise. This upward airflow pulls warm air down from the ceiling and redistributes it throughout the room, so the room feels warmer without cranking up the heat. Bonus – fans also keep your home cooler in summer!
In the summer, switch your fan to counterclockwise. This faster, downward airflow creates a refreshing breeze, helps maintain an even room temperature, and reduces how often your air conditioner needs to run.
Keep your home warmer from the inside out by closing insulating curtains while you're not home during the day. Saving on heating costs only takes a little planning. If you don't have curious pets or little ones around, leave the oven open after cooking a meal to let the excess heat escape into your home.
