Heating and cooling account for about half of home energy use. These strategies reduce costs while maintaining comfort.
Thermostat Management
1. Program your thermostat. Set back temperatures when away or sleeping. A programmable or smart thermostat automates this.
2. Avoid extreme setpoints. Setting the thermostat very high or low does not heat or cool faster. It just wastes energy.
3. Use setback wisely. 7-10 degrees setback for 8+ hours saves 10% annually. But avoid large setbacks with heat pumps.
Maintenance
4. Change filters regularly. Dirty filters make systems work harder. Monthly checks cost nothing and save energy.
5. Schedule annual maintenance. Professional tune-ups maintain efficiency. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, and worn parts reduce performance.
6. Keep vents clear. Furniture, drapes, or objects blocking vents waste conditioned air.
Reduce Load
7. Use ceiling fans. Fans let you raise AC setpoint 4 degrees without reducing comfort. Run counterclockwise in summer.
8. Close blinds and curtains. Block solar heat gain in summer. Open south-facing windows for passive solar heat in winter.
9. Seal air leaks. Weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors reduce heating and cooling loss.
10. Add insulation. Attic insulation is often the most cost-effective improvement. Check insulation levels against current recommendations.
System Efficiency
11. Seal ductwork. Leaky ducts waste 20-30% of conditioned air. Sealing visible joints helps. Professional sealing addresses hidden leaks.
12. Consider zoning. If some rooms are rarely used, zoning lets you condition only occupied spaces.
13. Upgrade old equipment. Systems over 15 years old are significantly less efficient than modern equipment. Calculate payback for replacement.
Behavioral Changes
14. Use exhaust fans wisely. Bathroom and kitchen fans remove conditioned air. Run only as needed.
15. Open windows strategically. In the Bay Area, natural ventilation often replaces AC need. Cool evening air can cool the home overnight.
Bay Area-Specific Strategies
Fog belt: Many days need no heating or cooling. Let natural conditions do the work. Opening windows for natural ventilation is free.
Inland: Thermal mass and strategic shading reduce cooling needs. Pre-cool homes before peak heat. Consider whole-house fans for evening cooling.
Coastal: Humidity control matters. Running AC occasionally for dehumidification prevents moisture problems.
These changes add up. Start with free behaviors and low-cost maintenance before investing in equipment or major improvements.