Evaluating your heating system will require the expertise of a licensed heating and cooling contractor. According to Energy Star, a typical maintenance check-up should include the following:

• Check the controls of the system to ensure that they operate properly, and the starting cycle of the equipment to make sure that it starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
• Check the thermostat settings to make sure the cooling and heating system saves energy while you are away while keeping you comfortable when home.
• Inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump. A clogged drain can cause water damage to your home and affect indoor humidity levels.
• Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause your system to operate unsafely and reduce the life of major components.
• Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increase energy usage.

For heating specific maintenance – Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. Improperly operating connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.
Don’t forget to change your filters monthly in your central a/c, furnace and/or heat pump. Failing to do so can result in increased energy costs and also damage your equipment.

A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the indoor temperature to preset times, which according to Energy Star can save you an estimated $180/year or more. You can program it to adjust the temperature before you wake in the morning or return at the end of the day, so your home is comfortable when needed but not wasting energy when you’re not at home.

If you’re comfortable with wiring and electrical equipment you can install the thermostat yourself following these steps:

1. The thermostat should be installed on an interior wall away from sources of heat and drafts such as doorways, windows, skylights, and bright lights. Make sure to install in a location this is not near heating and cooling vents.
2. Carefully read the instructions and electrical safety guidelines before attempting the installation.
3. Turn off the power supply.
4. Remove the old thermostat and wall plate, but use caution because older models can contain mercury which is a toxic substance that should be appropriately recycled.
5. Label all wires and secure by tying in a loop.
6. Install the wall plate first, then connect the wires following the instructions in the manual.
7. Mount the programmable thermostat on the wall plate and turn back on the power.
8. Most models include pre-programmed settings to maximize energy efficiency, but you can make adjustments to suit your needs by following the guidelines in the manual.

If you’re inexperienced with the installation of electrical equipment, then it is best to contact an HVAC specialist who can install it properly so that all warranties remain valid.

Photo courtesy of P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Following are some steps to take to save energy and money:

• Be sure to properly insulate your attic, which is often one of the easiest places in a home to insulate.
• Seal and insulate the foundation wall of an unventilated crawl space and check for moisture and deterioration problems.
• Look for air leaks and when found apply caulking and weather-stripping.
• Make sure that your programmable thermostat is set to optimal settings. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat then buy one! It can save you approximately 10% a year on heating and cooling bills.
• Your hot water heater should be set at 120°F and wrapped with an insulating blanket.
• Keep water conservation in mind when landscaping and check your sprinkler system schedule to minimize evapotranspiration.
• Only purchase appliances that are Energy Star rated, as they use less energy and save money.
• Unplug appliances when you’re not using them.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLS) as these light sources consume less electricity than conventional ones.
• Replacing your air filters every 30 days has the ability to improve the life of your HVAC system and reduce its daily load.
• For optimum energy savings, schedule bi-annual check-ups for your home’s heating and cooling system.

Implementing even some of these steps will be beneficial to your bottom line. But the more that you are able to put into place the greater savings you will enjoy. Your initial investment will very quickly pay for itself.