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When you keep your heating and cooling (HVAC) system in shape and set for maximum efficiency, you'll enjoy comfort and energy savings. Heating and cooling costs can account for nearly half of your household energy costs. As your savings connection, we're providing tips to help you do just that!

To begin, set your thermostat as cool as comfortable during winter months and as high as comfortable during summer months. You can save up to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours each day from its normal setting while at work. The recommended winter setting is 68 degrees during the day and even cooler at night while everyone is sleeping.

To help your HVAC operate at maximum efficiency, first clear all vegetation, fallen leaves and any obstructions that are closer than two feet from around the outdoor compressor unit. This gives the unit the unrestricted airflow it needs. Also, change those air filters inside your home regularly. Your system works harder to keep your home comfortable when filters are clogged.

Don't risk having to call a professional because your system goes out in the dead of winter. Schedule regular maintenance - at least once per year - to ensure your unit works efficiently when you need it most.

During a service call, the technician can clear the drain of any clogs, clean the fan blades on the outdoor unit and get rid of buildup on the indoor evaporator coil. This wise investment will save energy and money, keeping your system in shape longer.

If you find your system in need of repairs on a regular basis or if it is more than 15 years old, replacing it may result in big savings. Today's high-efficiency heat pumps reduce energy use by about 50 percent compared to older models.

Heat pumps also keep a constant and comfortable temperature throughout your home - something you don't get with an electric furnace. That's because heat pumps move heat instead of generating it. As an added benefit, they also dehumidify the air inside your home, using less energy to cool your home.

WFEC offers rebates on high-efficiency dual-fuel or mini-split heat pumps, as well as incentives that help manufactured homeowners upgrade from an electric furnace to a high-efficiency heat pump. 

Visit www.westflorida.coop for more information about rebates and our manufactured home heat pump rebate program.