67. Set thermostats to 78o F in summer, 68o F in winter.
68. Install a programmable thermostat to save even more.
69. Run ceiling paddle fans on medium, blowing down in summer and paddle fans on low, blowing up in winter.
70. Turn off ceiling fans when leaving the room. Fans cool people, not rooms.
71. When installing new air filters, make sure they are facing in the correct direction (look for arrow on side of filter).
72. When heating or cooling, keep windows locked.
73. Insulate electric wall outlets and wall switches with foam pads.
74. Caulk along baseboards with a clear sealant.
75. Caulk around plumbing penetrations that come through walls beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks.
76. Caulk electrical wire penetrations at the top of the interior walls in the attic.
77. Close shades and drapes at night to keep heat in during the winter.
78. Make sure drapes and shades are open during the day to catch free solar heat in winter.
79. Ensure attic access door closes tightly and is insulated.
80. Make sure insulation in your attic does not block soffit vents.
81. Do not close off unused rooms that are conditioned by forced-air systems.
82. Do not close supply air registers.
83. Check to be sure return air grilles are not blocked by furniture or bookcases
84. Ensure windows and doors are properly weather-stripped and use door sweeps.
85. Make sure outside soffit vents are not blocked.
86. Do not use roof-top power ventilators for attic exhaust as they may draw conditioned air from your home.
87. Have your HVAC system serviced once per year by a NATE-certified technician.
88. Monitor your home’s relative humidity in the summer. If it consistently stays in the 60 percent range or higher, ask your HVAC technician about lowering your central air conditioning unit’s indoor fan speed.
89. Ensure window A/C units are weather-stripped. Remove the unit in the winter and close and lock the window.
90. Remove and clean window A/C filter monthly
91. Keep “fresh-air” vents on window A/C units closed.
92. Use heavy-duty, clear sheets of plastic sealed tightly on the inside of windows to reduce the amount of cold air entering your home.
93. Minimize use of electric space heaters, except for limited or temporary spot heating. Turn space heaters off when leaving.
94. Ensure your outdoor heat pump/air conditioning unit is kept clean and free of debris.
95. When using the fireplace open the outside air vent in the fireplace (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly.
96. Keep fireplace dampers closed unless a fire is burning.
97. Ensure floor registers are not blocked with rugs, drapes or furniture.
98. Caulk around storm windows and basement windows
99. Verify your ducts are tightly connected to your HVAC equipment. Well sealed and insulated ducts can save up to 10%.
100. Turn off bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans 15 minutes after the job is complete or install 15-minute timers on bathroom ventilator fans.
101. Plant trees and shrubs to provide shade on the east, south and west sides of your home. Evergreen trees and shrubs can provide a windbreak on the north side.
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