Reduce Your Heating and Cooling Costs

Replace old heating and cooling equipment. Investing in new, energy efficient air conditioning equipment and in maintenance services can help you save energy and money for years to come. Find out how much you can save by upgrading:

Cooling System Upgrade Calculator

Heating System Upgrade Calculator

Obtain a quality installation. If you choose to upgrade to more efficient heating and cooling equipment, work with a qualified contractor who will make sure it is installed properly to optimize your system’s efficiency. View our Quality Installation Checklist.

Conduct an energy audit. This will help you identify areas of wasted energy and to measure the efficiency of your current cooling and heating system. Your utility company may offer energy audits or you can conduct your own by using the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) Home Energy Saver, an online do-it-yourself energy audit tool.

This will help you identify areas of wasted energy and to measure the efficiency of your current cooling and heating system. Your utility company may offer energy audits or you can conduct your own by using the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) , an online do-it-yourself energy audit tool.

Check that your home is properly insulated. You can find the R-value of the insulation recommended for different areas in your home by using DOE’s online R-value tool. It bases its recommendations on an analysis of cost effectiveness using average local energy prices, regional average insulation costs, equipment efficiencies, climate factors, and energy savings for both the heating and cooling seasons.

Have your central air conditioning system serviced each spring. Your utility company may provide this service or find a qualified contractor through North American Technician Excellence Contractor Locator. These contractors employ NATE-certified technicians. Download our Maintenance Checklist to review with your technician.

Install a programmable thermostat. They can be used with most types of systems, and allow the temperature to be automatically reduced at night or when no one is home. For each one degree Fahrenheit you set your daily temperature back (for 8-10 hours) can save you up to five percent on your annual heating bill. Use the ENERGY STAR Savings Calculator to determine how much you can save.

Clean or replace air conditioning and furnace filters once a month or as needed, and seal holes around plumbing and heating pipes.

Install drapes, shades, blinds or another window covering. Keeping them closed during the day to block the heat from the sun's rays.

Consider replacing single-pane windows with those that are ENERGY STAR-qualified. Use the Windows Selection Tool to compare energy cost savings based on various types of window glass and frames available.

Open your foundation vents each spring if your home has a crawl space under it.

Install ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes cooling in the summer and heating efficiency in the winter.

Prune back shrubs and remove debris like grass and leaves that may block airflow around the outdoor unit of you central air conditioner or heat pump.

Plant a tree. Landscaping is a natural way to shade your home. Well-placed trees and shrubs not only deliver shade, but also add value to your property.

Apply a reflective coating to your roof. Use the ENERGY STAR Roofing Calculator to determine how much energy you can save by installing ENERGY STAR-qualified roofing products.