Keep your home cool in summer

• A new, high efficiency, 13 SEER air conditioner uses about half the energy of a 15-year-old air conditioner. If your air conditioner is 10 years old or less, maintain it well and keep it. If it is between 10 to 15 years old, minor repairs and service are still acceptable. If the air conditioner is 10 to 15 years old or older and needs substantial repairs, your best alternative is to replace it with a new, high efficiency system.

• Turn air conditioners to the highest comfortable setting. We recommend 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home and 80 degrees while you are away. Adjusting your thermostat up a few degrees will have a significant impact on your cooling bill. A change from 73 degrees to 76 degrees -- 24 hours a day -- could save you approximately 30 percent on your summer cooling costs.

• Clean or replace your filter monthly and keep coils on the exterior unit free of dirt, grass clippings and leaves.

• The “on” fan setting on your central air conditioner can circulate air continuously through your home. This will usually even out the hot spots in your home, and if this practice allows you to set your thermostat at a higher summer temperature, it can also save you money.

Stay warm in the winter

• Check your furnace filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty.

• Lower your thermostat temperature to the lowest temperature that is comfortable to your family. You may save as much as 3 percent on your energy bill for each degree you lower your thermostat. Reduce your thermostat setting at night and/or when you are away. A 10-degree setback for eight hours each day could save up to 9 percent.

• The “auto” thermostat setting on central heating systems may save you money. However, if you can decrease your thermostat temperature by operating the fan in the “on” position, you may save even more money.

• Clean or replace your filter monthly and keep coils on the exterior unit free of dirt, grass clippings and leaves.

• Never switch a heat pump to the “emergency heat” setting on the thermostat, unless the unit is malfunctioning. This switch will turn off your energy efficient heat pump. Using only your backup electric furnace without the heat pump could double your heating costs.