--- title: Heat & Cool Efficiently description: HTP's Blog | Heating & Cooling Efficiently image: http://www.energystar.gov/images/pdf_tiny.gif --- [![HTPLogo](https://blog.htproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HTPLogo.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=HTPLogo.jpg "HTPLogo")](https://www.htproducts.com) - [Space Heating](https://www.htproducts.com/space-heating.html) - Residential - [Elite FT](https://www.htproducts.com/eliteft.html) - [Elite Premier](http://www.htproducts.com/elitepremier.html) - [Elite Ultra](https://www.htproducts.com/eliteultra.html) - [Pioneer](http://www.htproducts.com/pioneer.html) - [UFT](http://www.htproducts.com/UFT-Boiler.html) - Commercial - [Elite FT](http://www.htproducts.com/eliteft.html) - [Elite Premier](http://www.htproducts.com/elitepremier.html) - [Elite XL](https://www.htproducts.com/elitexl.html) - [EnduroTI](http://www.htproducts.com/enduroti.html) - [Mod Con](http://www.htproducts.com/modconboiler.html) - [Mod Con Double Stack](http://www.htproducts.com/modcon-double-stack.html) - [UFT Boiler](https://www.htproducts.com/UFT-Boiler.html) - Accessories - [ModBus BACNet](http://www.htproducts.com/modbus-bacnet.html) - [PolyPro Vent System](http://www.htproducts.com/poly-pro.html) - [Zone Manifold Systems](http://www.htproducts.com/quickzone.html) - [The Universal Stand](http://htproducts.com/literature/Universal-Stand.pdf) - [Water Heating](http://www.htproducts.com/water-heating.html) - [Gas - Phoenix Series](http://htproducts.com/gas-water-heating.html) - [Phoenix](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixwaterheater.html) - [Phoenix Light Duty](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixldwaterheater.html) - [Phoenix Multi-Fit](http://htproducts.com/Phoenix-Multi-Fit.html) - [Phoenix Plus](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixpluswaterheater.html) - [Phoenix Sanitizer](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenix-sanitizer.html) - [Electric - Everlast Series](http://htproducts.com/electric-water-heating.html) - [Everlast Residential](http://www.htproducts.com/everlast-residential-water-heater.html) - [Everlast Light Duty Commercial](http://www.htproducts.com/everlast-light-com-water-heater.html) - [Everlast 3 Element](http://www.htproducts.com/everlast-medium-duty-commercial-water-heater.html) - [Everlast Commercial](http://www.htproducts.com/everlast-commercial-water-heater.html) - [Everlast Grid Enabled](http://www.htproducts.com/grid-enabled-electric-water-heater.html) - [Heat Pump Water Heater](http://www.htproducts.com/heat-pump-water-heater.html) - [Tankless](http://htproducts.com/tankless-water-heating.html) - [Hydra Smart](http://www.htproducts.com/hydrasmart-residential.html) - [Hydra Smart RTC](http://www.htproducts.com/hydrasmart-RTC.html) - [Supply Boilers](http://htproducts.com/hot-water-supply-boilers.html) - [Elite VWH](http://www.htproducts.com/elite-premier-vwh.html) - [ModCon VWH](http://www.htproducts.com/modcon-vwh.html) - [ModCon Double Stack VWH](http://www.htproducts.com/modcon-double-stack-vwh.html) - [Commercial Storage Tank](http://www.htproducts.com/storage-tanks.html) - [Stainless Steel](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-ultra-storagetank.html) - [Glass Lined](http://www.htproducts.com/glasslinedtank.html) - [Large Volume](http://www.htproducts.com/largevolumestoragetanks.html) - [Indirect Water Heating](http://www.htproducts.com/indirect-water-heating.html) - [Indirect](http://htproducts.com/indirect-tanks.html) - [Superstor Contender](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-contender-waterheater.html) - [Superstor Ultra](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-ultra-waterheater.html) - [Superstor Pool](http://www.htproducts.com/ssp-pool.html) - [SuperStor Pro](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-pro.html) - [Storage Tanks](http://www.htproducts.com/storage-tanks.html) - [Glass Lined](http://www.htproducts.com/glasslinedtank.html) - [Large Volume](http://www.htproducts.com/largevolumestoragetanks.html) - [Stainless Steel](http://www.htproducts.com/superstor-ultra-storagetank.html) - [Combination Appliances](http://www.htproducts.com/combination-appliances.html) - [Elite Ultra Combi](https://www.htproducts.com/eliteultra.html) - [UFT Combination Wall and Floor Units](http://www.htproducts.com/UFT-Combination.html) - [Phoenix w/Air Handler](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixairhandler.html) - [Phoenix Light Duty w/Air Handler](http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixldairhandler.html) - [Versa Hydro](http://www.htproducts.com/versahydro.html) - [Versa Hydro Solar](http://www.htproducts.com/versahydro-solar.html) - [Comfort Solutions](http://www.htproducts.com/indirect-water-heating.html) - Professionals - [HTP All Access](https://htpcomfortsolutions.ning.com/main/authorization/signIn?) - [Manuals and Literature](http://www.htproducts.com/literature.html) - [Technical Support Bulletins](https://htpcomfortsolutions.ning.com/technical-bulletins) - [Merchandise Store](https://proformaprostores.com/Category) - [Product Photos](http://www.htproducts.com/graphics.html) - [HTP Solar Live](http://50.255.166.121/CRD/index.html) - [Warranty Wizard](http://www.htproducts.com/Warranty-Wizard.html) - [Parts Store](http://www.shophtp.com/ecommerce/) [HTP](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/author/htp) - Jul 15, 2015 # Heat & Cool Efficiently We came across this high efficiency heating and cooling article on the Energy Star website and thought it would be perfect to share with our readers!   **Heat & Cool Efficiently** As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. For more information, see our [Guide to Energy Efficient Heating & Cooling](http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/HeatingCoolingGuide%20FINAL_9-4-09.pdf?3c6c-0ee4) ![PDF](http://www.energystar.gov/images/pdf_tiny.gif)(708KB). ### Change your air filter regularly Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure. ### Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. Learn more: - [Maintain your Equipment: A Checklist](http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_maintenance) - [Finding the right contractor: 10 tips](http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips) ### Install a programmable thermostat A [programmable thermostat](http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.pr_thermostats) is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs. ### Seal your heating and cooling ducts Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. [Sealing and insulating ducts](http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_ducts) can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more. Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house. See our See our [Duct Sealing brochure](http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/heat_cool/ducts/DuctSealingBrochure04.pdf?3c6c-0ee4) ![PDF](http://www.energystar.gov/images/pdf_tiny.gif) (1.13MB) for more information. for more information. ### Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, [consider replacing it](http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_checklist_consumers) with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by more than $115. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct system. Sometimes, these are the real sources of problems rather than your HVAC equipment. ### Ask about Proper Installation of your new equipment Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent - costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment's life. [Learn more](http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=hvac_install.hvac_install_index).   (Original article: [http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat\_cool.pr\_hvac](http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac))  Share - - - - [mailto:?subjetc=&body=Heat+%26+Cool+Efficiently%20-%20https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/heat-cool-efficiently](mailto:?subjetc=&body=Heat+%26+Cool+Efficiently%20-%20https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/heat-cool-efficiently) PREVIOUS POST [Join Our Team!](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/join-our-team) Next Post [Efficiency & the Water-Energy Nexus](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/efficiency-the-water-energy-nexus) ### Written by [HTP](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/author/htp) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HTPinc/) Content Title Description [![040210_HTP_Logo_Transparent-3](https://blog.htproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/040210_HTP_Logo_Transparent-3.png?width=500&height=317&name=040210_HTP_Logo_Transparent-3.png "040210_HTP_Logo_Transparent-3")](http://www.htproducts.com) Established in 1974 as a designer and fabricator of heat exchangers for the boiler and solar industries. Today, HTP is enjoying its second generation of family leadership and is a full-fledged manufacturer on the cutting edge of energy-efficient space and water heating technology.   ## Customer Support - [Home](http://www.htproducts.com) - [About Us](http://www.htproducts.com/history.html) - [Contact Us](http://www.htproducts.com/contactus.html) ## Sales Support - [Technical Bulletins](https://blog.htproducts.com/blog/www.htpcomfortsolutions.ning.com/technical-bulletins) - [HTP Mobile App](http://www.htproducts.com/mobileapp.html) - [Manuals & Literature](http://www.htproducts.com/literature.html) - [Sales Collateral](http://www.htproducts.com/salescollateral.html) ## Contact us [sales@htproducts.com](mailto:sales@htproducts.com) [1-800-323-9651](tel:+1-800-323-9651) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HTPinc/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/HTProductsInc) - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/heat-transfer-products-inc./) Copyright © 2026 HTP Comfort Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.