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Did you know that trimming your heating and cooling costs is one of the quickest ways to manage electric bills? That’s because this expense accounts for nearly half of your household energy costs.

When you keep your heating and cooling (HVAC) system in shape and set it for maximum efficiency, you’ll enjoy comfort and energy savings. As your savings connection, we’re providing tips to help you do just that!

Set your thermostat to savings: To begin, set your thermostat as high as comfortable during summer and as cool as comfortable during winter. You can save up to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling bills by adjusting your thermostat 7° to 10°F for 8 hours each day from its normal setting.

The recommended winter setting is 68°F during the day and cooler at night while everyone is sleeping. In summer, try a daytime temperature setting of 78°F or as high as comfortably possible.

Do-it-yourself maintenance: To help your HVAC system operate at maximum efficiency, first clear 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.

Plan ahead for system tune ups: Don’t risk having to call a professional because your system goes out on a scorching summer day or the dead of winter. Schedule regular maintenance — at least once a 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, and get rid of buildup on the indoor evaporator coil. This wise investment will save energy and money, keeping your system in shape longer.

Upgrade when it’s time: If your system needs repairs on a regular basis or is more than 10 years old, replacing it can 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 during the summer.

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.

By helping you reduce energy use and make your home more energy-efficient, we’re connecting you to savings.

Set your thermostat to 68°F during winter months and change air filters inside your home regularly. HVAC systems work harder to keep your home comfortable when filters are clogged.