Heating and Cooling

Heat and cool more efficiently

Heating and cooling may seem pretty straightforward, but there are actually a variety of technologies you can use—many of which can save you money.

These electric heating and cooling technologies operate with 100% or more energy efficiency:

Service your heating and cooling systems every year for peak operational efficiency and safety.
Adjust your thermostat. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer. You’ll save 3% on the day’s heating or cooling costs by changing your thermostat temperature by one degree (higher for cooling, lower for heating) for that 24-hour period. Maintain those settings and you’ll save 3% all season!
Clean or replace heating and cooling filters once a month.
Clean air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed.
Make sure air returns and registers are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely, turning them off as soon as they have done the job. Depending on where they are used, a ventilating fan will complete 8–15 air changes per hour (ACH). If left running when not needed, this will cause your heating or cooling system to run more often.
During the heating season, keep draperies and blinds on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sun to help warm your home.
Close drapes at night to help reduce heat loss.
During the cooling season, keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent the sun from heating your home.

Find out how much energy you’re using and how you can lower your use—and costs—with our free Home Energy Analyzer tool.