• Set the Thermostat

The most economic operation of your HVAC system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 75 degrees for summer cooling and 68 degrees for winter heating. Did you know, when cooling, your operating costs increase from 3 - 8 percent for each degree your thermostat is lowered? Likewise, when heating, your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.

• Keep the air filter clean

The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask us where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use.

• Keep doors and windows closed

Close all your doors and windows to the outside throughout the year. This will reduce the heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result. You also need to keep vents and grilles unobstructed. Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system, providing more economical operation.

• Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans

Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. You can keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.

• Use the auto setting

Generally, it is best to set your indoor fan to auto. This costs less and provides better humidity control in the summer. However, if you desire to operate your system with constant air circulation, ask us for advice.

• Control direct sunlight

You should let the sun in during the winter and keep the sun out during the summer. In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. The use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open the window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight. This will lower the heating load immediately.

• Keep the condenser coil clean

The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate. You can use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil clean.

• Insulate air ducts

Make sure all of the air ducts are well-insulated. The ducts should also be sealed with a vapor barrier.

• Properly vent clothes dryer

You need to ensure that your clothes dryer is vented to the outside and that your clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit.

• Keep heat away from the thermostat

Be sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereos, and computer equipment.