Posted: February 10, 2025
Did you know that heating and cooling costs represent more than half of the average U.S. home’s energy spending?
It’s true, and if you aren’t careful in how you run your HVAC equipment, you could be using way more energy than you need to. Not only that, but you’ll also be burning through more electricity and heating oil, significantly increasing your carbon footprint.
Try following these simple energy-efficiency tips to save money on HVAC costs and help the environment, too.
Smart thermostat management can lower your heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. Just turn back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day, and you could see savings of up to 10% on HVAC expenses. The best part? These adjustments happen automatically while you’re sleeping or away, making it effortless to save energy.
Your HVAC systems will work more efficiently if you prevent drafts and seal air leaks. Use door sweeps, weather-stripping, or caulk to seal cracks. Additionally, inspect and enhance insulation in areas like attics, crawl spaces, and basements to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy costs.
You can use ceiling fans to regulate your home’s temperature in both cooling and heating seasons. During the summer, set your fans to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze and cut down on A/C usage. When winter arrives, reverse the direction (clockwise) and run the fan at a low speed to push warm air back down. This simple adjustment can lower heating costs by about 2%.
A clogged or dirty filter hinders airflow, forcing your system to work harder and consume more energy. Check your filters every month during peak heating or cooling seasons. If you have a reusable filter, you can clean it and return it to the system. You should replace disposable filters.
Utilize sunlight to your advantage. During winter, open blinds and curtains on sunny afternoons to bring warmth indoors, reducing dependency on heating. Trim shrubs or branches that block sunlight from entering your home. At night, close curtains to retain heat.
Conversely, in the summer, close blinds during the afternoon to block heat and keep your home cool without overworking the A/C.
Probably the most consequential step you can take to boost your HVAC efficiency is to schedule a tune-up with the pros at Atlantic-Pratt Energy. We’ll ensure your equipment is running at maximum efficiency and peak performance.
Annual maintenance can lower energy consumption, reduce breakdowns, keep your manufacturer’s warranty in effect, and provide a longer lifespan for your HVAC system. You can ensure that your equipment always receives the attention it needs by enrolling in the Maximum Efficiency Plan. This service plan coverage comes with free annual maintenance, plus:
Atlantic-Pratt Energy proudly serves households in Quincy and across the South Shore. Contact us to arrange service or enroll in a Maximum Efficiency Plan.