Heating & Air Conditioning

  • 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.