The weather outside is getting colder and your heating bills are probably starting to creep up. Or maybe you’re dreading those huge summer AC bills that leave your wallet empty. Either way, you want to find ways to lower your energy use and save some money. Don’t worry, with just a few simple changes, you can significantly cut your heating and cooling costs this season. Here’s 7 tips from professionals who specialize in heating and cooling in Garner NC to get you started. 

1. Inspect Your Home for Air Leaks

One of the easiest ways to waste energy is through air leaks in your home. Places where air escapes outside allow cold air in during winter and hot air during summer. Start by checking for gaps around windows, doors, electrical outlets, attic hatches, and any penetrations going through walls, floors, or ceilings. Caulk and weatherstrip any leaks you find. This could save you up to 30% on heating and cooling costs over time.

2. Adjust the Temperature

Turning down the heat just a few degrees in winter and turning up the AC a few degrees in summer can really add up in energy savings. Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower during the day in winter and 78°F or higher in summer. At night, turn down the temperature even more. Get a programmable thermostat to make adjusting temperatures easier. And make sure to turn down the heat when leaving home for extended periods.

3. Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can allow you to feel just as comfortable while keeping the thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter. Run fans clockwise on low speed in summer to create a cooling breeze. In winter, set the fans to run counter-clockwise on low speed to circulate warm air trapped near the ceiling. Using fans allows you to turn down the AC or heat without sacrificing comfort.

4. Let the Sun Shine In

On cold winter days, open blinds, drapes, and curtains to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce heat loss through windows. In the summer, keep blinds and drapes closed on windows facing the sun to prevent solar heat gain. Smart use of windows and shades can cut heating and cooling costs without changing your thermostat settings.

5. Seal Heating and Cooling Ducts

If you have a forced air heating/cooling system, make sure ductwork is well sealed. Leaky ducts can lose 25-40% of airflow before it reaches rooms. Use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal joints and connections. Make sure all registers and grilles are secured tightly to prevent leaks. Sealing ducts means warmed or cooled air gets delivered more efficiently.

6. Change Filters Monthly

A dirty air filter makes your heating/cooling system work harder to keep you comfortable. That means higher energy use. Be sure to change the furnace and AC filters once a month during heavy-use seasons to allow air to flow freely. Write filter changes on your calendar, so you don’t forget. Clean filters reduce wear on your HVAC system too.

7. Have a Professional Tune-Up Annually

Just like a car, heating and cooling equipment needs periodic maintenance to run at peak efficiency. Have an HVAC professional do a whole-system inspection and tune-up at least once per year. They can clean parts, check for leaks, ensure proper refrigerant charge, and make any needed adjustments for maximum performance. This easy maintenance can improve efficiency by up to 20%.

Making a few small upgrades and staying on top of home maintenance goes a long way in lowering energy bills. Try out these handy tips to save big on heating and cooling in Garner NC this season. With a small amount of effort, you can increase comfort and put extra money back in your wallet.