1. Set the thermostat: The
most economical operation of your system comes from setting
the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest
summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you
are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer
cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling,
your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree
your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating
costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.
2. Keep the air filter clean: The easiest
way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically
is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types
of air filters and several possible locations for the air
filter. Ask your service contractor where your air filter
is located and which type of filter to use.
3. Keep doors and windows closed: Close
all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the
heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your
system will operate more economically as a result.
4. Keep vents and grilles unobstructed:
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents
and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will
reduce the cooling and heating load on your system for more
economical operation.
5. Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans:
Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make
your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption
and costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust
fans.
6. Use the AUTO setting: Generally, it
is best to set your indoor fan to AUTO. This costs less
and provides better humidity control in the summer. However,
if you desire to operate your system with constant air circulation,
ask for advice from your service contractor.
7. Control direct sunlight: Let the sun
in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer,
direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system.
Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount
of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter,
direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system.
Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight
and lower the heating load.
8. Keep the condenser coil clean: the
condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept
clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil
becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings,
leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate.
9. Insulate air ducts: Be sure all air
ducts are well insulated. Ducts also should be sealed with
a vapor barrier.
10. Keep an air-tight house: Ensure maximum
retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to
outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm
doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks.
11. Properly vent clothes dryers: Be sure
your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure
that your clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor
unit.
12. Keep heat away from the thermostat:
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat.
These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
Consider purchasing a set-back thermostat. It can cut your
utility costs by 9 to 30%.
By using a central humidifier during the heating season,
not only will you be more comfortable but you can lower
your thermostat by 2 degrees and feel just as warm while
saving money on your heating costs. If your heating and
air conditioning system is over 12 years old, consider replacement.
Newer units are much more efficient. They also come with
better warranties so no expensive repair bills to worry
about.
