How to Operate Your Heating and Air Conditioning System Efficiently and Save Energy

Your heating and air conditioning system is designed to provide optimal efficiency and comfort. Now it’s time to do the same to your home. Here are some things you can do around the house to optimize the operation of your system, as well as the comfort inside your home.

Cooling

1. Set the thermostat as high as comfort will permit.

2. Make sure attic is adequately ventilated to relieve heat buildup. If necessary, improve airflow by adding or enlarging vents.

3. When building a new house or renovating an old one, choose light-colored roof shingles to reflect more of the sun's heat.

4. During moderate weather, don't use the air conditioner unnecessarily.

5. Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

6. Install awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight.

7. In the cooling season, don't run kitchen and bath exhaust fans longer than necessary.

8. Don't place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from that equipment may cause the air conditioning system to overcool your house.

Heating

1. Locate the thermostat on an inside wall away from windows and doors.

2. Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each degree over 68°F can add 3% to the amount of energy needed for heating.

3. People generate heat. So lower the thermostat a degree or two when expecting a large group of guests.

Insulation

1. Make sure your home is properly insulated. This is the single most important step in conserving energy. Thermal insulation should be specified in terms of thermal resistance (R-values). R-30 (10") is recommended for ceilings and R-11 (3-1/2”) for exterior walls and floors over unheated areas. In colder climates, consider additional insulation.

2. Infiltration of humid outside air is your heating and air conditioning system's worst enemy—it could account for 15% to 30% of air conditioning energy requirements. Find the places where air can sneak into the home and plug them with caulking, weather-stripping or plastic. Also, weather-strip and caulk around all entrance doors and windows.

3. Cut heat transfer through your windows by 40% to 50% with double-glazing (two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space) and low-e glass.

4. Use wood- or metal-frame storm windows even if single-glazed windows are high quality. The extra layer of glass and the layer of still air will cut heat transfer considerably.

5. Install storm doors at all entrances to your house.

6. Keep all windows and doors closed.

7. Remember that by increasing the glass area, you increase the amount of heat added in summer and lost in winter.

8. Make sure fireplaces have tight-fitting dampers, which can be closed when the fireplace is not in use.

9. Invest in a humidifier to conserve energy in winter. The air in your home won't be as dry, so you stay comfortable at a lower temperature setting.

Do you have any of these problems?

● No Cooling

● No Heating

● No Airflow
● Unusually High Utility Bills
● Equipment Runs All The Time
● Drain Pan Is Overflowing
See our Troubleshooting page for the answers

Available Rebates and Tax Credits

Federal Tax Credit:

HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDITS

Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment in existing homes can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, for improvements "placed in service" starting January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010. See Energy Star's Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency for a complete summary of energy efficiency tax credits available to consumers. A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.

We can help you choose the right system to take advantage of these tax credits Energy Star Rebates from Utility Companies

United Illuminating and Northeast Utilities offer additional incentives for you when you purchase and install an electric central air conditioning or electric heat pump system that meets the required energy efficiency ratings. By getting the most energy-efficient equipment, you use less electricity while lowering your utility bill, and that's good for both you and the environment.

Click here to download the HVAC rebate application form