Reduce Heating/Cooling Costs

Posted September 22nd, 2007 by NFAN
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Even though September means the end of summer and beginning of fall, the changing seasons affect temperatures in different American households in different ways. Whether you have a few more weeks (or months?) of stifling summer heat, or if the cool winds of autumn are starting to blow through your neighborhood, chances are you spend more money on energy to keep your home comfortable.

Heating and cooling costs account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With energy rates increasing throughout the country, cutting down on the amount of energy you use will directly affect how much you pay each month. Here are a few basic tips to remember during hot weather, cold weather and all year-round.

Hot Weather Energy Tips:

  • For every degree you raise your home thermostat, you will cut two percent off your cooling costs.
  • Increase the temperature when you are out and when you are sleeping.
  • Do not underestimate the power of fans, especially ceiling fans and oscillating fans, that help circulate the air but use much less energy than AC.
  • Use a ceiling fan and the AC simultaneously and try turning the AC up several degrees.
  • Clean your air conditioning filters every month and replace them when needed– effective filters are a small price to pay for cool air on a hot day. Regular household dust clogs up filters quickly, especially if you’re a pet owner.
  • Block out the sun with blinds, shades and thick curtains.
  • Close the curtains before you leave for work in the morning to block out the afternoon sun that warms certain rooms in your home while you’re away.
  • Use white curtains to reflect the sun away from the house.
  • Use cooler colors and fabrics in the summer. Pull out the light blue pillows or blanket, or paint the sunroom a cool sea green. Put away your flannel sheets and the dark wool blankets. Cooler colors and fabrics can make you feel cooler and you may be pleasantly surprised when you actually notice a difference.
  • Avoid putting electronics and lamps near your thermostat; it can sense heat through appliances and will work harder than necessary.

Cold Weather Energy Tips:

  • For every degree you lower your home thermostat, you will cut two percent off your heating costs.
  • Lower your thermostat when you are out and when you are sleeping.
  • Replace or clean your furnace’s filters about once a month.
  • Let the sun in during the day. Heavy curtains can help insulate your home against falling outside temperatures, especially at night, but if you get a heavy stream of sunlight for a few hours everyday let it come in and warm (and brighten!) your home for free. 
  • Keep your windows clean, especially the windows that face south and west, to let in the most sun.
  • Lower your storm windows.
  • Test how well your windows and doors are insulated by holding a lit candle near the edges and corners (be careful not to burn your curtains).
  • Close your fireplace when it’s not in use.

Year-Round Energy Tips:

  • Shut off vents in unused rooms and closets (and then shut those doors) so you don’t spend money cooling or heating rooms unnecessarily.
  • Move furniture that blocks air vents. If you can’t move it to a different place in the room, at least move it a few inches from the wall. 
  • Caulk windows and doors to keep your home insulated in the summer and the winter months.
  • Lower your hot water thermostat to 120 degrees.
  • Insulate your hot water heater with an old blanket to keep it from losing heat. 
  • Is your fridge working too hard keeping your food too cold? One electric company recommends setting your refrigerator temperature to 37 to 40 degrees and your freezer to 5 degrees. Don’t forget to make sure your fridge door seals tightly so it never works overtime.
  • Use energy-saving compact florescent light bulbs; they may cost a few bucks more at first, but they will last much, much longer and give off much less heat.
  • Don’t ignore leaky faucets; fix them immediately.
  • Research energy-saving appliances when old appliances break. You’ll make up the little extra you spend on the appliance with all the money you save on your future energy bills.
  • Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes.

Many of our most essential expenses are, well, expensive. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the option to keep the air conditioning off all summer or forgo heat in the winter. Be aware of your heating and cooling costs when the seasons change and take advantage of pleasant outdoor temperatures. You should not have the air conditioning cranking one day only to switch the heat on the next. Reevaluate your thermostat settings and use these next few months to their full advantage.

Simple conservation does add up to big savings, even though we can’t always see it. These and other tips can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy website at http://www.energy.gov/energysavingtips.htm.