Be sure to set your programmable thermostat as low as is possible in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.

Be sure to clean and replace filters on furnaces and air conditioners at least once a month.

Be sure to keep warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators clean and they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

You should also have trapped air from hot-water radiators professionally removed at least once a season. Heat-resistant radiator reflectors should be placed between exterior walls and the radiators. Be sure to turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within twenty minutes after use. Also when it comes time to replace them consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.

When shopping for a furnace, look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The minimum is 78% AFUE, however, there are ENERGY STAR® models designed by all of your HVAC manufacturers that exceed 90% AFUE. For air conditioners, look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The minimum SEER is 13 SEER. ENERGY STAR models are 14.5 SEER or more.

Installing a whole-house fan will use the evening cool air to cool the house while also pushing hot air out of the attic. Installing ceiling fans will also help reduce your need for the air conditioner.

Preventive maintenance agreements for your air conditioning and heating system will ensure that your air conditioning and heating system is performing at its maximum potential and possible save on much more expensive future repairs.

Programmable Thermostats:

Turning your thermostat back by 7-10 degrees can save you as much as 10% on your heating and cooling bills. You can do this by using a programmable thermostat that will schedule the times you turn on the heating or air conditioning. As a result, your heating and cooling system does not have to run as much when you are not home. Programmable thermostats can also store up to 6-8 daily settings that you can manually override without affecting the rest of the day.

Additional Energy Conservation Tips:

Whether you are a lifelong Texan or you have just moved to Texas we all know about the heat of the Dallas, Fort Worth summers and what a strain they can be on energy costs. In addition to the heating and cooling energy conservation tips above we have also included some no cost and low cost energy conservation tips that will save valuable $$$ when needed the most!

No Cost Energy Conservation Tips:

• Be sure to turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use.
• During the winter and fall months take advantage of the cool fresh air of the outdoors. Consider opening windows on the sunny side of the house to take advantage of the free heat from the sun.
• Using your dishwasher, washing clothes and cooking and coking as late as possible will also cut your energy costs.
• Outdoor cooking is not just fun but can actually be cost effective. Fire up the grill outside and save by reducing the heat in your home allowing your air conditioning system to work less to cool your home. Pool timers allow your pool pump to run less and save valuable energy costs.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Foundation vents should be closed during the winter months.
• Vacuuming your refrigerator coils periodically will also reduce the work load on your refrigerator, allowing it to work more efficiently. Also be sure to keep the seals clean.
• Wash "full" loads of clothes. This will save water and energy! Consider a clothesline! Your grandparents did! The energy saver on your dishwasher is exactly that. Allow your dishes to air dry instead of heat drying.

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  Fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones will on an average save $1 per bulb changed out and will also reduce heat in your home.
• Have your furnace cleaned and air checked for leaked at least once a year Consider installing a hot water heater blanket. (Make sure that you do not cover vents or temperature settings.)
• Installing hot water pipe insulation will keep water at its maximum temperature settings so that your hot water heater does not have to work harder than necessary.
• You would be amazed to know how much can be lost in the smallest of spaces, including electrical outlets and switch plates. Insulating these areas will save valuable dollars.
• Landscaping is not just beautiful but trees and shrubs on the west side of your home will act as insulation by providing shade that will reduce thermal gain in your home.
• Conserve our precious mineral, water! Fixing leaky faucets and installing low-flow showerheads will cut your water bills.
• Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of heat in your home. Solar blanket for your pool as opposed to an electrical powered heater will save energy costs and extend your swim season.