2. #1 CHANGETHE FILTER REGULARLY
Check the filter monthly.When it appears clogged with
dirt, change it. Never use a filter for more than three
months.
3. #2 HAVETHE HVAC SYSTEMTUNED UP BI-ANNUALLY
The same way your car performs better when you
change the oil, your HVAC system also runs more
efficiently after a tune-up. Hire a reputable contractor to
service your heating equipment in the fall and your
cooling equipment in the spring.
4. #3 USE A PROGRAMMABLETHERMOSTAT
Use the settings on the programmable thermostat to
save energy while you’re away or at night while you are
sleeping.You will be able to recoup your investment for
this piece of equipment quickly due to lower monthly
energy costs.
5. #4 SEALTHE DUCTWORK
The next time you schedule an HVAC system tune-up,
ask the technician to inspect the ductwork. Anywhere
ducts run through the attic, garage, crawlspace or other
unconditioned areas, they could be losing tremendous
amounts of energy if they aren’t sealed and insulated
properly. A technician uses duct sealant or metal-backed
tape to bridge gaps and eliminate leaks.Then, insulation
seals the deal and prevents heat transfer caused by
conduction.
6. #5 CONSIDER ENERGY STAR-QUALIFIED EQUIPMENT
If your HVAC equipment is getting old, consider
replacing it with a high-efficiency unit.The upfront cost
may be high, but you could cut your annual bill by
hundreds of dollars, allowing the unit to pay for itself
more than once over its lifetime.
7. #6 INSIST ON PROPER INSTALLATION
Choosing an energy-efficient model isn’t enough.You
also need a professional installation to get the most
from the equipment.Attempting a DIY-installation or
hiring a disreputable company could reduce efficiency
by 30 percent.