Get a programmable or intelligent thermostat. Schedule an annual oven maintenance check. Take our 3-minute questionnaire and talk to an advisor today. Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long history of helping people make smart financial decisions.
We've maintained this reputation for more than four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in the actions they should take next. In general, about 30% of a home's heating or cooling energy is lost through windows. In summer, about 76 percent of the sunlight on windows comes in the form of heat, according to the DOE. Solar screens, or mesh-shaped screens for windows, can intercept energy before it enters the house.
Mosquito nets are particularly effective on windows facing east and west. Keep the programmable thermostat as high as you're comfortable (the DOE recommends 78 degrees Fahrenheit) and, when you're out and about, adjust the temperature even higher. You can reduce your energy bill by 10 percent by adjusting the thermostat by another 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day, the DOE estimates. By running a ceiling fan, you can increase the thermostat setting by about 4 degrees without compromising your comfort level.
In summer, run the ceiling fans counterclockwise and turn them off when you leave the room. Krigger says that individual air conditioning units and ductless air conditioning units, including ductless mini-splits, are much cheaper to use than central air conditioning units. The most obvious benefit that an energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system will provide to your family is a lower utility bill. Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that the air conditioner and boiler are operating efficiently.
This efficiency will save energy and therefore allow you to save money on utility bills. Be sure to change the filter at least once every three months and schedule routine maintenance twice a year with a qualified HVAC service technician. Not only does an HVAC zoning system save money on your energy bills, but it can also help extend the life of your HVAC unit.
