Installing a programmable setback thermostat can be a convenient and effective way to control heating costs without sacrificing comfort. You can set it for a warmer temperature while your’e home and a lower temperature at night and also while no one is home during the day.
Thermostats should be located on an inside wall away from drafts or items that may provide heat like lamps, televisions, etc.
Do not plant shrubs or bushes too close to the outside unit. They cut down on your unit’s ventilation.
Clean or replace your air filter once every month.
A dirty furnace filter can drive up the cost of heating your home. Check your furnace filter frequently and replace or clean it as needed.
A humidifier either on your furnace or as a separate unit can help control heating costs. Because you feel warmer in moist air, you can set your thermostat lower.
Adjust register openings to keep various rooms of your home at the desired temperature.
Remember that heat rises, so you may want to partially close upstairs registers.
Use draperies, blinds, curtains or shutters on all windows to slow the loss of heat through the glass. Keep window coverings open on sunny days to let in the sun’s warmth. Close them to insulate against cold outside air at night.
Rearrange furniture for winter by placing it next to inside walls instead of outside walls and away from windows. Avoid blocking heating registers and air returns with furniture, draperies or carpet.
