Save Energy, Save Money
Replacing old cooling and heating equipment with more efficient,
ENERGY STAR qualified equipment is one way to save energy and
money. However, your home's heating and cooling equipment is
part of a larger system. Heating and cooling your home smartly
can include properly maintaining your existing equipment, using
a programmable thermostat, finding and sealing air leaks,
tightening up your ducts, and more.
Repair
or Replace?
Changing out old cooling and heating equipment with ENERGY STAR
qualified models can cut your annual energy costs by 20 percent.
Remember that getting
the proper size and a quality installation is essential to
getting the most from your new equipment. Learn more about each
cooling and heating product from links in the left column.
Finding
the right contractor: 10 tips
Maintain
your Equipment: A Checklist
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a
yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve
efficiency and comfort.
Use
a Programmable Thermostat
Use an ENERGY STAR qualified model to adjust the temperature of
your home when you are home or away. With proper use of the four
pre-programmed temperature settings, you can save about $100
each year in energy costs.
Duct
Sealing
It's common to find gaps between duct joints, whether a home is
new or old. Seal and insulate ducts that are exposed in areas
such as your attic or crawlspace to improve your system's
efficiency and your own comfort.
Seal
Air Leaks and Add Insulation (Home Sealing)
Air leaks in your home and a poorly insulated attic can lead to
significant home comfort problems and high energy bills. By
properly sealing those air leaks and adding insulation, you can
improve comfort and cut your energy bills by up to 10 percent.
Consider
a More Efficient Ceiling Fan
Upgrade to a more energy-efficient ceiling fan. ENERGY STAR
qualified models are up to 50% more energy-efficient than
conventional fans, with the most potential energy savings coming
from those that include lighting. In the winter, set your fan to
turn in the clockwise direction to help efficiently distribute
warm air throughout your room.
Help Protect the Environment
Individual actions at home can add up to a lot of pollution
prevention. If just one in ten households bought ENERGY STAR
heating and cooling products, the change would keep over 17
billion pounds of pollution out of the air.
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