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URI Energy Center

Energy Efficiency for Home Owners


Heating and Cooling

  • In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor so that the blades push air up toward the ceiling, where hot air normally rises. The fan will drive the warm air back down around the edges of the room, which can result in more even heating.
  • Keep the fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. Closing the damper prevents up to 8% of furnace-heated air from going up the chimney.
  • If the fireplace is never used, the damper should be sealed with weather-stripping and the chimney stuffed with fiberglass insulation. Remove this material from the chimney before a fire is lit in the fireplace.
  • Move the room air conditioner. If possible, put the air conditioner in a north-facing or shaded window; direct sunlight reduces efficiency.
  • Remove and store the air conditioner during the winter rather than keeping it in the window where heat can leak out.
  • Set the temperature lower in the winter when your home is unoccupied. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower and raise the temperature according to your settings.
  • If your air conditioner is old, consider purchasing a new, energy-efficient model. You could save up to 50% on your utility bill for cooling.
  • Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
  • Set the thermostat as low as comfortably possible in the winter. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating bill will be.
  • Close drapes, blinds and shades to help retain heat at night or during unoccupied periods.
  • Clean furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Keep the furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted to save up to 5% of heating costs.
  • Remove and clean room air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.
  • Fireplace inserts or wood stoves are available to fit into an existing fireplace. Fireplace inserts dramatically improve fireplace efficiency by blowing heat from the fire into the room and limiting the amount of heat and conditioned air lost up the chimney.
  • Install glass doors on fireplaces, which act as a barrier against warmed air returning up the chimney. The glass allows the heat from the fire to radiate into the room while preventing outside air from infiltrating.