Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is perfect for people who are away from their home for set periods of time throughout the week or month. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you an average of $180 a year in energy costs.
Seal your heating and cooling ducts
Ducts that move air to and from a forced-air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. If you seal and insulate your ducts, you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by as much as 20% and even much more.
Focus on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use mastic duct sealant or metal-backed foil tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of your home.
Cleaning your ducts can also greatly help the efficiency of your airflow. See our duct cleaning page for more information on duct cleaning.