Energy Efficiency Tips for Year-Round Savings — From Thermostat Settin

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When I first installed my Goodman dual-fuel system, I thought the hard part was done. High-efficiency equipment? Check. Reliable brand? Check.

But over the following months, I learned that the real key to saving energy isn’t just buying the right HVAC system — it’s how you use it.

Small adjustments, smart habits, and a bit of seasonal prep can turn any home into an energy-efficient powerhouse. Whether you’re heating through a Northeast winter or cooling through muggy summer days, these year-round efficiency tips can help you stretch every kilowatt and cubic foot of gas.

🌡️ 1️⃣ Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat is the command center of comfort and cost. Even a one-degree change can have a noticeable impact on your energy bills.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy , you can save up to 10% annually by simply adjusting your thermostat 7–10°F for 8 hours a day.

Here’s the sweet spot for most homes:

Season	At Home	Away / Sleeping
Winter	68°F	60–62°F
Summer	78°F	82°F

For the biggest gains, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat like Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell Home. These devices learn your schedule, adjust automatically, and can even monitor local weather data to optimize performance.

“I used to set my thermostat and forget it,” says Savvy. “Now, I let my smart thermostat handle the schedule. It lowers my heat when I’m at work and cools the house just before I get home. I barely notice it — except on my lower energy bills.”

Smart thermostats can also sync with Goodman systems for precise SEER2-rated efficiency, ensuring your system runs exactly when it needs to — and never when it doesn’t.

🌬️ 2️⃣ Seal Leaky Ductwork for Instant Efficiency Gains

Leaky ductwork is one of the most common and overlooked causes of energy loss.

According to ENERGY STAR’s duct sealing guide , the average home loses 20–30% of conditioned air through leaks, gaps, and loose connections.

That means you’re paying to heat and cool air that never even reaches your living spaces.

✅ Quick DIY Fixes:

Use mastic sealant or foil-backed HVAC tape (not duct tape) to close small leaks.
Seal joints and elbows in exposed basement or attic ducts.
Check connections at the furnace, air handler, and registers.

🔧 Professional Fix:

If your system is older or you notice uneven heating/cooling, ask a professional about duct pressurization testing. They can pinpoint leaks hidden behind walls or insulation.

“I tested my ducts with an incense stick — and sure enough, smoke started swirling near a basement joint. A little foil tape and my Goodman system felt instantly stronger.”

When ducts are sealed, Goodman systems can deliver full rated airflow, which means higher comfort, quieter operation, and lower runtime costs.

🧱 3️⃣ Improve Insulation and Air Sealing

No matter how efficient your HVAC is, it can’t fight physics. Heat will always move from warmer areas to cooler ones — unless you stop it.

Insulation is your first line of defense. It helps your home retain conditioned air and reduces the workload on your Goodman system.

According to Energy.gov’s insulation guide, the ideal R-values for Northeast homes are:

R-38 to R-49 in the attic
R-19 or higher in walls
R-25 to R-30 in floors over unheated spaces

Pair that with air sealing:

Use weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Add foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls.
Caulk gaps around attic hatches, dryer vents, and sill plates.

“After adding attic insulation and sealing my window frames, my home felt immediately more consistent. My Goodman system didn’t need to run as often, even on the hottest days.”

These upgrades can cut energy use by up to 15% while making your home quieter and cozier.

💨 4️⃣ Maintain Air Filters and System Airflow

Clogged filters and blocked vents are like trying to breathe through a straw. They force your blower motor to work harder, strain your system, and reduce overall efficiency.

The EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Guide recommends replacing filters every 1–3 months depending on:

Dust levels
Pets or allergies
System usage

Also:

Keep return vents unobstructed.
Vacuum floor registers.
Clean condenser coils outside once per season (especially after pollen season).

A dirty filter can drop efficiency by 10–15% — that’s the difference between your Goodman system hitting its SEER2 potential or underperforming.

“I used to think filter changes were optional. Now I set a calendar reminder for the first Sunday of every month. It’s an easy win.”

💡 5️⃣ Use Fans and Zoning to Maximize Comfort

Fans don’t cool air — they move it, helping your system distribute comfort evenly.

Here’s how to use them smartly:

Summer: Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise to push air downward.
Winter: Reverse direction (clockwise) to pull warm air up and circulate it.

Each degree of thermostat adjustment (made possible by good airflow) can save 3–5% on energy costs.

If you have a larger or multi-story home, consider an HVAC zoning system, which uses dampers and individual thermostats to send conditioned air where it’s needed most.

Learn more at HVAC.com’s zoning system overview.

“Before zoning, my upstairs was always warmer than my living room. Now, I can control each floor separately. It’s more comfortable — and my energy use dropped right away.”

🔋 6️⃣ Schedule Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups

Even the most reliable system — like a Goodman dual-fuel setup — needs a little TLC.

Routine maintenance can improve performance, catch minor issues early, and extend equipment lifespan by years.

According to ENERGY STAR’s maintenance recommendations, HVAC tune-ups can reduce breakdown risk and improve efficiency by up to 25%.

☀️ Spring Tune-Up (AC Season)

Clean condenser and evaporator coils
Check refrigerant levels
Inspect fan motors and electrical connections

❄️ Fall Tune-Up (Heating Season)

Inspect burners and ignition systems
Clean or replace filters
Test safety switches and flue systems

“I make it part of my spring cleaning. One call to my HVAC pro, and I know my Goodman system will run smoothly through every season.”

Plus, consistent maintenance helps keep your Goodman warranty valid, protecting your investment long-term.

🪟 7️⃣ Smart Shade & Sunlight Management

Sunlight is free heat — but sometimes, it’s too much of a good thing.

The Energy.gov window efficiency guide recommends using seasonal window strategies:

Summer: Keep blinds, shades, or reflective film closed during peak sun hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Winter: Open curtains on south-facing windows to let sunlight warm rooms naturally.

You can also upgrade to:

Low-E (low emissivity) window coatings
Insulated drapes
Cellular shades

“I used to think curtains were just for décor. Now I treat them like energy tools. I open them on sunny winter mornings and close them tight in summer afternoons — and my system doesn’t have to work nearly as hard.”

🔎 8️⃣ Check for Energy Rebates and Incentives

Upgrading or optimizing your home’s efficiency doesn’t just save energy — it can earn you money back.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and ENERGY STAR programs offer rebates and tax credits for efficient HVAC systems, duct sealing, and insulation upgrades.

Check your eligibility through the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder .

Typical homeowner savings include:

Up to $2,000 in federal tax credits for qualifying heat pumps and furnaces
$150–$300 for smart thermostats
Local utility rebates for duct sealing or insulation

“When I replaced my old unit with a Goodman SEER2 system, I claimed a federal credit and a local rebate. It paid for part of my installation!”

🧾 9️⃣ Monitor Energy Use to Spot Hidden Waste

Knowledge is power — literally.

Many homeowners are surprised to find that certain habits or appliances drive up energy use without realizing it.

Track your energy with:

Smart plugs that show real-time wattage.
Home energy monitors like Sense or Emporia.
Your utility provider’s online dashboard.

Look for patterns — such as spikes during overnight heating or daytime cooling.

Once you know when energy is being used most, you can make smarter thermostat and equipment adjustments.

“My monitor showed that my HVAC fan was running more than necessary. After adjusting my thermostat’s circulation settings, I saw an instant dip in energy use.”

🛠️ 10️⃣ Create a Seasonal Energy Routine — Savvy’s Checklist

The best efficiency strategy is consistency. Savvy’s method? A seasonal “energy weekend” every three months.

Season	Key Tasks	Savings Impact
Winter	Seal window gaps, reverse ceiling fans, lower thermostat	10–15%
Spring	Schedule tune-up, clean coils, replace filters	5–10%
Summer	Use fans, close blinds, raise thermostat	10–20%
Fall	Seal ducts, inspect furnace, test carbon monoxide detectors	5–15%

These simple actions keep systems balanced and efficient.

“My energy checklist takes just a few hours each season. It’s satisfying to know I’m protecting my investment — and seeing smaller bills every month.”

⚙️ 11️⃣ Don’t Forget About Humidity Control

Humidity affects how comfortable your home feels — and how much you spend on energy.

High humidity in summer makes air feel warmer, while overly dry air in winter can cause static and respiratory issues.

Goodman systems with variable-speed blowers and dehumidification modes help manage this automatically.

You can further improve control by:

Using dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces.
Installing a humidifier attachment for dry winters.
Maintaining 40–50% indoor humidity year-round.

Balanced humidity helps your system run shorter cycles, maintaining efficiency.

🧠 12️⃣ Bonus: Be Smart About Appliance Timing

Not every appliance needs to run during the hottest or coldest part of the day.

Shift high-energy tasks to off-peak hours:

Run dishwashers and laundry after sunset.
Avoid using ovens during midday heat.
Use energy-saving “eco” modes whenever possible.

These small shifts reduce the heat your HVAC system needs to offset — and may qualify you for time-of-use electricity discounts from your utility.

💬 Savvy’s Takeaway

“Energy efficiency isn’t about one big upgrade — it’s about layering smart habits that add up over time. Between my Goodman system, smart thermostat, and seasonal tweaks, I’ve cut my utility costs by almost 25%.”

With a bit of planning and attention, homeowners can enjoy year-round comfort without wasting energy or money.

Whether you’re sealing ducts, scheduling tune-ups, or simply adjusting your thermostat, every small change counts — and your Goodman system will reward you with steady, reliable performance.

✅ Key Takeaways

Strategy	Savings Potential	Key Benefit
Thermostat Optimization	5–10%	Lower heating/cooling bills
Duct Sealing	20–30%	Full airflow and comfort
Proper Insulation	10–15%	More consistent temperatures
Seasonal Tune-Ups	5–25%	Longer system life
Smart Window Use	5–10%	Natural temperature balance
Energy Monitoring	Ongoing	Detect waste before it adds up