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Clear around radiators and vents

Furniture that is placed within 2 to 3 feet of the radiator will absorb the heat that would otherwise rise to circulate and heat the room. Don’t place anything on top of the radiator or position furniture or rugs directly on top of floor vents as it prevents air circulation.

Manually regulate your thermostat, or use a programmable thermostat

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you set the thermostat to 68°F in winter when you’re at home and down to 65°F when you go to bed or when you’re away. In the summer, set the thermostat to 78°F for cooling.

When programmable thermostats are installed and used with the four pre-programmed temperature settings for weekend and weekdays, you can save about 10% each year on heating and cooling costs while staying comfortable. Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature when you’re sleeping or when you’re away. Make sure to adjust your settings or program your thermostat for when you are going on vacation or changing your normal occupancy routine.

Watch this video about how to purchase and install a programmable thermostat.

Check out Washington Gas rebates for programmable thermostats and WiFi enabled programmable thermostats.

Use ceiling fans to supplement air conditioning and heating

Ceiling fans efficiently circulate air throughout a home during winter and summer.  They can increase the cooling effects of air conditioning so you can set your thermostat higher or not use A/C at all on mild days. In summer, run your fan counter-clockwise; in winter, run it clockwise so it pushes warm air up against the ceiling and down along the walls. For maximum energy saving benefits, purchase an ENERGY STAR® ceiling fan. These fans circulate an average of 15% more air than other ceiling fans.

Change HVAC filters on a regular basis

Air conditioning and heating can account for half of a household’s energy consumption. Changing your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system filters regularly will allow the systems to operate efficiently, and will keep the indoor air clean. Use HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters on your HVAC system so that you have maximum filtration in your home.

The frequency recommended for filter changes can vary depending on your household environment. Most homes should have a filter change every 90 days, but more frequent changes may be needed for homes with pets or during peak seasonal usage. A monthly visual check is enough to see if the filter is dirty and needs replacement. Learn more about changing your filter from the Service Experts guide or Energy Star® guide.

Have HVAC systems professionally evaluated and maintained

It is important to have your HVAC system evaluated and maintained, especially if you are living in a home with a pre-existing system. Annual, pre-season check-ups can ensure that your system is operating correctly and efficiently, and help to avoid costly maintenance problems. A typical check-up should include checking thermostat settings and system controls, lubricating moving system parts, and inspecting the condensate drain. Additional evaluations may be performed specific to the heating or cooling system being checked.

Potomac Edison customers can receive a rebate for having their HVAC systems tuned-up.

Learn more about heating and cooling maintenance from the Energy Savers guide or ENERGY STAR® guide.

Test and seal leaking ducts

In typical houses, about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. If you have return duct leaks, you could be pumping “bad air” directly into your living space. Leaky ducts also cause indoor air quality problems because of pressure imbalances. This can cause unhealthy air (laden with dirt, dust, pollen, allergens, and other contaminants) to be sucked into your home. Pressure imbalances can also cause back drafting in combustion appliances such as furnaces, wood stoves, and gas ranges. When this happens, you risk exposure to carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Search online for a company that can provide diagnostic testing and servicing for ductwork.

Learn more about duct sealing from the ENERGY STAR®, and Aeroseal

You can also seal your ducts and filter rack yourself from the outside. Watch this video to see how.