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Set your thermostats at 78F in the summer and 68F in the winter and leave them there. You can immediately notice a 3% to 5% decrease in energy use for every degree you adjust the thermostat setting above or below your normal setting.
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Make sure furniture, curtains and rugs don't block the flow of air from vents and air registers.
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Maintain heating and cooling unit efficiency by changing your filters regularly during the heating and cooling season. You can purchase whole house high efficiency air cleaners from Universal. We offer Media Air Cleaners, Electronic Air Cleaners and HEPA Air Cleaners.
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Clean dust from supply and return air grilles and heating outlets.
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Make sure the caulk and weather-stripping around your windows and doors are in good shape.
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Seal around wiring and plumbing penetrations. Use caulk for small holes and expanding foam for larger areas. This will keep unconditioned air from entering the house.
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Make sure your ducts are properly sealed. Cracks and joints at plenums can cause your heating and cooling bills to increase as much as 30% and can allow outside air to enter your home.
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Install programmable thermostats to automatically reduce energy usage when you are normally away from home. Programmable thermostats, when used properly, will help you reduce your heating and cooling energy costs.
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Have your heating and cooling system professionally serviced semi-annually to keep them running at top efficiency.
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In the winter open curtains and shades to let the sun warm your house naturally
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If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use. This will keep cold air from coming down the chimney and into your home.