Install a programmable thermostat. These can be found at a wide range of price points and will allow you to manage you’re A/C and cooling without manually adjusting it throughout the day. When you are home, try and keep it 68 degrees or lower in the winter and 78 degrees or higher in the summer. At night when you are sleeping or when you are gone try and turn the temperature up in the summer and down in the winter. It is estimated the for every degree over 78 degrees you increase the temperature in the summer, you save up to 6-8 percent, and by decreasing the temperature 10-15 degrees for 8 or more hours in the winter, you could reduce your energy usage by 5-15 percent.
Install window film. This simple, peel and stick product will cost between $40-50 and can be applied directly to your windows to cool the rooms in your home. Buy brands that say “high reflective” or “energy saving” on the label for best results.
Install ceiling fans or set up floor fans. Fans can make you feel 3-4 degrees cooler, and can save you up to $17 per year per fan. However, its important to keep in mind that fans cool people, not homes, so be sure to turn off your fans when you are not in a room or not home.
Clean or replace your air filters once a month. This helps your air handler suck in air and prevents blockage that can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to.
Clean vents as needed and make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes.
Test for leaks and air tightness. Hold a candle or smoke pen next to your windows, doors, electrical outlets, attic hatches, and any other spots where air may leak to determine if air is leaking from or into your home. If the smoke moves horizontally, then that is a strong indication that you have a leak.
Check for signs of sunlight around your windows and exterior doors. This is a strong indicator that air is leaking and that you need to caulk or use weatherstripping.
Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows. You can get caulk, a caulking gun, and weatherstripping each for less than $5 at your local home improvement store.
