Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs

Absolutely Free or Really Cheap

Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.

Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they're not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.

In winter put bubble wrap on windows - can be applied with water!

During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

During the cooling season, keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain.

Maintain and Service heating and cooling equipment regularly. Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season.

Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.

One Year Payoff

Seal air leaks (infiltration sealing).

Seal leaks and connections in ductwork.

Add Storm Windows.

2 Year Payoff

Add attic and crawl space insulation.

Longer Term Payoff

Replace old equipment with energy-efficient furnaces, boilers, AC units, and heat pumps, and windows.