Set thermostats to 78º F in summer and 68º F in winter.
Run ceiling paddle fans on medium, blowing down in summer.
Run ceiling paddle fans on low, blowing up in winter.
Change HVAC filters monthly.
When installing new air filters, make sure they are facing in the correct direction (look for arrow on side of filter).
When heating or cooling, keep windows locked.
Insulate electric wall plugs and wall switches with foam pads.
Caulk along baseboards with a clear sealant.
Close fireplace dampers when not burning a fire.
Caulk around plumbing penetrations that come through walls beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks.
Caulk electrical wire penetrations at the top of the interior walls.
Close shades and drapes at night to keep heat in during the winter.
Make sure drapes and shades are open during the day to catch free solar heat in winter.
Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out in summer.
Ensure attic access door closes tightly.
Insulate attic access door.
Make sure insulation in your attic does not block soffit vents.
Do not close off unused rooms that are conditioned by forced-air systems.
Do not close supply air registers.
Check to be sure return air grilles are not blocked by furniture or bookcases.
Ensure windows and doors are properly weather-stripped.
Make sure outside soffit vents are not blocked.
Do not use roof-top power ventilators for attic exhaust as they may evacuate conditioned air from your home.
Have your HVAC system serviced once per year by a NATE-certified technician.
Monitor your home’s relative humidity in the summer. If it consistently stays in the 60% range or higher, ask your HVAC technician about lowering your central air conditioning unit’s indoor fan speed.
Ensure window A/C units are weather-stripped.
Ensure windows with window-mounted A/C units have weather-stripping between the middle of the top and bottom pane.
Remove and clean window A/C filter monthly.
Keep “fresh-air” vents on window A/C units closed.
Use heavy-duty, clear sheets of plastic on the inside of windows to reduce the amount of cold air entering your home.
Minimize use of electric space heaters.
Ensure your outdoor heat pump/air conditioning unit is kept clean and free of debris.
When using the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening damper in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly.
In a basement, seal the sill and band joist with durable caulking or foam sealant.
Ensure floor registers are not blocked with rugs, drapes or furniture.
Outside your home, caulk around all penetrations including telephone, electrical, cable, gas, water spigots, dryer vents, etc.
Caulk around storm windows.
Caulk around basement windows.
Verify your supply air duct “boots” (behind supply air registers) are caulked to your ceiling or wall sheetrock or flooring.
If in unconditioned space, verify your ducts are tightly connected to your HVAC equipment.
Verify all outdoor doors (including storm doors) close and seal tightly.
In 2-story homes serviced by one HVAC system, a paddle fan at the top of the stairs can push down hot, second-floor air.
Install 15 minute, spring wound timers on bathroom ventilator fans.
Always run your HVAC system fan on “AUTO.” Running it on “ON” uses more electricity and can decrease your air conditioner’s ability to remove moisture.
Keep your garage door down. A warmer garage in the winter and cooler garage in the summer will save energy.
