Heating and Cooling
Stay comfortable while also reducing your energy use during peak heating and cooling seasons by investing in thermostat upgrades or adding accessories that will help your current system run more efficiently. ENERGY STAR’s product finder and heating and cooling calculator are other ways to find HVAC items that can help you save energy and money.
Air Deflectors and Vent Covers
Does it feel like the air coming out of your vents isn’t properly warming or cooling your space? With an air deflector or vent cover, you can redirect cool air upward or warm air downward to better blend the temperature in the room. It’s also adjustable for various air vent sizes. (Typical cost: $4–$7)
Air Filter Whistles
You should replace the air filters on your heating and cooling unit as frequently as every month during the summer and winter. Air filter whistles make it easy to remember. Simply attach the whistle to your filter and it will automatically “sing” when it’s clogged, reminding you to make the swap. (Typical cost: $3–$7)
Radiator Insulation Panels
Also called “radiator reflector panels,” these thin metal sheets slide between your wall and radiator and reflect the heat off the wall and back into the room. They circulate the air and reduce the heat absorbed into the wall so your heater doesn’t have to work as hard. (Typical cost: Around $15)
Reusable Air Filters
To save more money without sacrificing air quality or your heating and cooling equipment, consider upgrading to a reusable air filter. It works just as well at capturing particles and can be washed and reused for up to 10 years with proper care. (Typical cost: Around $30)
Smart Window Air Conditioner
A smart window air conditioner learns your daily patterns and cools your home only when necessary. It will even turn on and off based on where you are in the house. It’s an easy and attractive replacement for that old window unit. (Typical cost: Around $250)
Types of Thermostats
Manual Thermostat
A manual, or nonprogrammable, thermostat allows you to control the temperature setting manually, and it offers a digital read-out of the temperature setting. Although these thermostats are not as flexible as the programmable or smart thermostats, they are a great option for individuals who spend most of their time at home and who are accustomed to manually managing their in-home temperature. (Typical cost: $20–$30)
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to preset temperatures for your schedule. It adjusts the temperatures for when you’re asleep or not at home so you don’t have to. You can basically set it and forget it — and then enjoy the savings on your energy bill. (Typical cost: $30–$90)
Smart Thermostats
Spend a bit more on a Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat. It will automatically adjust the temperature based on your preferences and habits and allow you to remotely control the device from anywhere in the world with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You could save up to $150 in heating and cooling costs per year, according to ENERGY STAR — which pretty much covers the cost of the thermostat. Talk about smart! (Typical cost: $100–$250)