Set your thermostat to 68℉ or lower in the winter and 78℉ or higher in the summer. Set it even higher (80-83℉ in summer) or lower (62-65 degrees in winter) when you'll be away from home for an extended period.
Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. This will allow you to raise or lower the temperature settings automatically when you're asleep or remotely when you're away from home. Make sure the thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system and is installed correctly.
Check air filters monthly and change them as needed or according to manufacturer guidelines.
Keep HVAC vents and interior doors open to keep air flowing freely to and from the unit.
Have your central heating and cooling system serviced annually by a professional. This can extend the life of the system while maintaining optimum efficiency.
Caulk, seal, and weather-strip around all seams, cracks and openings to protect against drafts. Pay special attention to windows and exterior doors.
Periodically check your ductwork for leaks or tears, and repair fallen or crushed ducts with mastic (a plaster-like substance found at your local hardware store) to seal leaks.
Install a door sweep to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold to prevent outside air from coming in and conditioned air from escaping from your home.
Add weather-stripping or caulk around windows, doors, exhaust fans and other places where wires or pipes pass through walls.
In the living room
Close the damper in your fireplace when it is not in use.
In the kitchen and laundry rooms
Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products, which verifies that the products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
Boil water in a pot with a lid.
Use pots and pans that fully cover the stove's heating element.
Don't place a refrigerator right next to an oven.
When doing laundry, use warm or cold water for washing and cold water for rinsing.
Wash and dry full loads of clothes.
Use an automatic clothes-drying cycle that senses when clothes are dry, instead of a timed cycle.
Keep the dryer's lint filter clean for greater efficiency.
In the bedroom
Make sure furniture and drapes aren't blocking the air supply vents.
In the bathroom
Seal air leaks where pipes come through the wall, under toilets and sinks.
Install low-flow shower heads and faucets to reduce energy and hot water use.
Repair leaky faucets.
Turn off running water when shaving or brushing your teeth.
In the attic or utility room
Upgrade your attic insulation to a minimum R value (the measure of insulation's ability to resist heat) of R-38, typically 12-14 inches of insulation.
Insulate around recessed lights, attic doors and other places where outdoor air could enter.
Lower the water heater temperature to 120-125℉ (or "medium" for gas models), and visually inspect the unit for leaks periodically.
Insulate your water heater with a water heater blanket.
Insulate water pipes coming form the water heater.
In the home office
If you find you need to purchase new office equipment look for the ENERGY STAR label on office products such as printer and scanners. Consider purchasing from a buy-back company that sells used and refurbished equipment, or recycle or trade in your old gear for new.
