Your first step should be professional maintenance inspections of your heating and cooling system in the fall and in the spring. This will include cleaning the coils and filters, checking to make sure all motors and fans are in working order, and inspecting the safety of the unit. As the homeowner you will want to make sure that your filters are cleaned or replaced once a month since a build-up of dirt on the filter can restrict the airflow and put unnecessary strain on the unit's components.
In preparation of the hot summer months, Floridia recommends opening all the windows in your home to create proper airflow. Once you turn on your air conditioning she suggests using ceiling fans to help circulate the air and reduce the work necessary by the cooling system.
If you live in a very cold climate and have found that your heating unit is insufficient, you may want to consider the option of having an alternate heat source installed or adding heating elements to your existing heat pump system. Another reason that maintenance inspections should be performed before the hottest and coldest months set in is that you may find that you need to upgrade your heating and cooling system or replace it with a more energy efficient model, which will increase its effectiveness and reduce energy costs.
You can also make changes around your home that will increase the effectiveness of your heating and cooling system. One way is to plant shrubbery and trees to provide shade. It is advisable to plant shrubs near your outdoor air conditioning unit to provide it with shade; however, plants should be at least one foot away from the perimeter of the unit to avoid obstructing airflow. Trellis and vines can help insulate the walls of your home. Trees that lose their leaves should be planted on the west and south sides of your home, which will provide shade in the summer and allow the sun through in the winter. Cement and asphalt should be avoided on the west and south sides of the home since they absorb heat and radiate it after the sun has gone down in the summer months.
Inside you should use shades on your windows in the summer months to reduce the effect of the sun. White blinds or shades work best. You may also want to consider installing thermo-pane windows to greatly reduce your energy costs. Reflective window film is another great option for increasing your home's energy efficiency. Other tips include caulking any opening where air can escape and adding insulation to air ducts in the attic, basement, or garage. You should also make sure that any fireplace dampers are tightly closed when not in use.
