Heating and Cooling

Low cost no cost recommendations and energy conservation tips.

Air Conditioning - Summer Months

Set your thermostat to your comfort level, but for conservation purposes 78º or higher in the summer is recommended. For every degree below 78º, the unit requires 6% more energy.
Keep windows closed and close shades, drapes, or blinds to reduce heat from the sun.
Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms only. When ceiling fans are used together with an air conditioning unit that is set at a higher thermostat setting, the same comfort level can be achieved as using the air conditioning at a lower setting.
Use exhaust fans to remove excess heat and moisture from the kitchen and bathrooms. Be careful not to run the exhaust fans more than 15 minutes after the moisture-producing activity has ended.
For gas furnaces with standard pilots, turn off pilot lights. Relight them just before the need for heating.
Change the air filter monthly.
If your house is going to be empty for more than four hours, it's a good idea to set the thermostat 3 to 5 degrees higher than usual. Keep the house closed to minimize heat build-up. To recool the house when you return set the thermostat back to your normal setting. Any lower setting will only cause the air conditioner to operate longer and cost more.
In the summer, wait until early morning or evening to bake, bathe, run your dishwasher, washer, or dryer which adds heat and humidity to your home.

Heating - Winter Months

Set your thermostat to your comfort level, but for conservation purposes 68º or lower is recommended in the winter. As in the summer, thermostat set backs will save money and energy. For every degree above 68, the unit requires 3% more energy.
By opening shades, drapes, or blinds during the winter, sunlight can enter the house and help to naturally warm the home. At night, close the shades, drapes, or blinds to help retain heat.
If you wish to use a ceiling fan, operate it on low speed, and switch it to run in reverse if possible to push hot air from the ceiling level to the occupied-lower areas of the room. Use fans only when the room is occupied.
Use an electric blanket when you set your thermostat back at night. An electric blanket is more economical than heating the entire house all night long. Or use several light blankets.
Change the air filter monthly.
Wear layers of clothes rather than one heavy piece of clothing. Layers will trap body heat in and keep you more comfortable.
A pan of water placed near a heating outlet will add moisture to your home or use a humidifier. In the winter, a properly humidified home is as comfortable at 68º as a dry one is at 75º.