| Heating: |
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Change your furnace filter once
a month to ensure maximum efficiency and air quality. |
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Consider lowering your thermostat to 68 degrees F
or less during the day, and 55 degrees F or less at night. If
you have a programmable thermostat, this can easily be automated.
You can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree
you lower your thermostat. |
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Use sunlight to your advantage. Leave blinds
and shades open on sunny days to allow the sun to radiate heat
into your home. Remember to close them in the evening to prevent
heat loss. |
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Have your system inspected and serviced
twice a year to keep it functioning at maximum efficiency.
Learn more about United’s
Preferred Maintenance Agreements. |
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Make sure all vents, and registers are pointed
toward the center of the room and not blocked by furniture,
draperies, or other items. |
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Do not completely close the registers in
unoccupied rooms. Your heating system was designed to heat a
certain amount of square footage. Forcing your furnace to apply
its full power to a smaller area is actually inefficient and
can damage your furnace. In addition, the cold air in the unoccupied
rooms creates a draft back into your heated areas. |
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Add weather stripping to your doors and windows.
Add door sweeps to your doors. |
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Caulk around the windows on the exterior
of your home. Windows should be caulked in on three sides, leaving
the bottom to provide an escape for moisture. |
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Close your chimney flue and seal any unused
fireplaces. |
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Be sure to check with your local gas or electric
utility for more information about energy efficiency. |
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|
| Cooling: |
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Keep your thermostat at the highest comfortable
temperature setting. You can save up to 3% of your cooling costs
for every degree you raise your thermostat. |
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If you do not have a programmable thermostat,
consider getting one. These easy to use “smart”
thermostats can change your home’s temperature several
times a day, saving you money while keeping up with the needs
of your busy family. |
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In the summer, keep the house closed tight
during the day. Don’t let in unwanted heat and humidity. |
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Clean your air conditioning coils periodically.
Dirt build-up on the indoor coil is the single most common cause
of poor efficiency. |
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Use shades, vented awnings, blinds, or curtains
to keep sunlight out especially in rooms facing west. |
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Television sets, computers, lamps and appliances
produce some heat, so turn them off when not in use. Use the
oven and range less in the summer. |
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Have your system inspected and serviced twice
a year to keep it functioning at maximum efficiency. |
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Check with your local gas and electric utility
companies for more energy savings tips. |
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