# Heating and Cooling are Simple Ways to Save Some Bucks on

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/heating-and-cooling-simple-ways-to-save-some-bucks/
- Published: 2019-08-07T18:52:36-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

What does heating and cooling have to do with saving the planet? PLENTY! The idea
we need to start paying better attention to how we are treating the planet has pretty
much trickled down to the masses. More and more people are developing a greater 
interest in being a better friend to the environment. As well as there are lots 
of ways we can accomplish this worthwhile goal. One of the best, and mutually beneficial,
is to [reduce our energy usage](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/11/useful-ways-to-minimize-heat-loss-in-your-home/)
in the home. What’s the most expensive costs: [heating and cooling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/02/energy-system-save-combined-cooling-heat-pump/).
That’s because not only is it good for Mother Earth, it is good for our bank accounts.
So consider ceiling fan energy.

#### **Make Use of Ceiling Fans**

Ceiling fans can make a big dent in your energy bill, during the summer and winter
months. In the summer, they can cut cooling costs by a whopping 50 percent.  Compared
to an air conditioner that uses 3,500 watts while running, a ceiling fan uses about
60 watts. The [fans don’t actually make the room cooler](https://science.howstuffworks.com/question22.htm),
they just make it feel that way by circulating the air. Thereby creating a nice,
refreshing breeze.

Turn down the AC by at least four degrees when running the fans on high. Make sure
it is running counterclockwise during hot weather because this will maximize air
movement and created that wonderful breeze. A breeze that will cool you down like
a ceiling fan, even when your AC is running at a higher setting. You can tell if
the fan energy is moving in the right direction by turning it on, and standing under
it. If you feel the breeze right away, it is going counterclockwise.

During the winter, run the fan clockwise on a low setting. When running in this 
direction, the blades pull the air up in the center, and push it back down near 
the edges. This mixes [heating and cooling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/11/useful-ways-to-minimize-heat-loss-in-your-home/)
or warmer and cooler air together. Thereby creating a steadier temperature throughout.
A steadier temperature means your HVAC system expends less energy warming the house.

#### **Don’t Neglect Your HVAC System**

![Energy Efficient Ceiling Fan helps heating and cooling](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bafholi.png?resize=150%2C173&quality=50&ssl=1)

Energy Efficient Ceiling Fan

When your HVAC system is not operating at peak efficiency, it has to work harder
to heat and cool the home, and working harder means using more energy. And we all
know what more energy means—higher utility bills. As a homeowner, there are several
things you can do on your own to keep it in good shape. If it is in the cards financially,
you might consider upgrading to a new,[ energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/10-largest-wind-project-development-2022/)
efficient system. There are many companies offering great [HVAC rebates](https://www.lennox.com/buyers-guide/offers-and-savings/promotions/national-promotions),
to help offset the costs, so it might not be as expensive as you think.

If you don’t have one already, the new pleated high-efficiency filters are much 
better at trapping even the smallest of particles.  Typically, filters need to be
replaced every three months. However it should be checked monthly. If it looks really
dirty and clogged, replace it. FYI—if you own pets, you will probably need to change
it more often. Once a month, check the insulation on refrigerant lines. Especially
if they are missing or damaged, replace them. If your unit is outside, do a weekly
inspection during spring, summer and fall to remove any debris that may have accumulated
around it. Once a year, pour a cup of bleach and water into the air-conditioner 
condensate drain to break up any deposits of mold and algae.

![Heating and cooling. Fix and replace that HVAC Source: Energy Star](https://i0.
wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/questions_photo.jpg?resize=
442%2C210&quality=52&ssl=1)

Fix and replace that HVAC Source: Energy Star

#### **Seal It Up**

While a little draft here and there may not seem like much it DOES COST YOU. BECAUSE
when added all together, you are looking at a major source of energy loss. Therefore
you better expect higher electric bills. So seal up any cracks around windows and
doors. To find all those smaller leaks that may not be as easy to detect, here is
a little trick for you. First of all, shut all the windows and doors. Turn on exhaust
fans to depressurize the area. Light an incense stick, and [move](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/how-you-can-simplify-your-upcoming-move-for-less-stress/)
it around areas where leaks may be present. If the smoke gets blown into the room
or sucked out, you have discovered a leak.

![Insulate, Insulate, Insulate](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2014/06/atticinstallation1-opt.jpg?resize=280%2C232&quality=52&ssl=1)

Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

Sealing up air leaks is one of the cheapest, and easiest fixes for making your home
more energy-efficient, and can yield some of the most powerful results.

There are lots of things you can do to make your home a greener regarding your heating
and cooling for a more energy-efficient space.

A space that do not involve spending loads of money. Remember lots of smaller changes
can add up to big savings.

####