10 Energy-Saving Tips for Efficient Heating and Air Solutions

Are you looking for effective ways to save energy around the house? These methods can help you reduce monthly energy bills – and, of course, they’re good for the planet, too! But many homeowners aren’t sure where to begin in their own home when it comes to saving energy with heating and air solutions. Here are some actionable ideas that are a great place to start.

Monitor Your Light Usage. Keep an eye on your light habits and make sure you are always turning off lights when no one is using them. You can switch to LED lights to help save even more energy but choose your temperature “color” carefully so the light isn’t too harsh.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat. Program your thermostat – or let it program itself from when it senses activity in the house! This is a great way to ensure that you are only using AC or heat when you need to. You can also lower your settings by just a couple of degrees to make a difference!
Change Your Air Filters. Your AC system probably uses filters that are designed to be replaced every several months. If it’s been a while since you have replaced your filters, this is a cheap way to improve airflow in your home and make sure that your HVAC is running efficiently.
Check Your Weather-Stripping. Weather-stripping is the felt around doors and windows that prevents drafts. If yours is worn out, now is the time to replace it!
Watch Your Water Usage. Conserve water, especially how water, when doing dishes, taking showers, and using the sink. Hot water takes a significant amount of energy to heat up! Switching to a tankless water heater can make an even bigger difference.
Use Shades and Blinds More Often. In warmer months, cool your house down cost-free by using your shades and blinds. Heat from sunlight can add up over time and is best avoided.
Rely More on Fans. Fans trick your skin into feeling cooler (or warmer, if they are pushing down hot air) just by moving air around. It’s a very low-cost method to feel better, so use it whenever you can.
Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances. Look for Energy Star labels and other ratings when it’s time to buy a new device.
Plug All Air Leaks in Your Home. Gaps around outlets, holes for cables/pipes, and other areas can leak air out of your house. Insulate these areas with foam insulation!
Replace Your Heating System. If you’re ready for a big change, replace your heating system with a version that has better efficiency ratings, or a different method of creating heat (like heat pumps).