How to Lower Your Energy Bills Without Sacrificing Comfort
Internal link: If you own an efficient system like the Goodman 2 Ton 14.3 SEER2 Single-Stage Air Conditioner Condenser (Model GSXN402410), you’re already on the right path toward energy savings. But even the best system can only do so much without the right home habits.
Energy efficiency isn’t about turning off the AC and sweating through summer or bundling up all winter — it’s about working smarter, not harder. With just a few strategic changes, you can lower your monthly utility bills while keeping your home perfectly comfortable all year.
Let’s dive into a complete, practical homeowner’s guide to balancing comfort and cost.
🌤️ Step 1: Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system — and one of the simplest places to start saving.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat just 7–10°F for 8 hours a day from your normal setting.
🏠 Best Temperature Settings for Efficiency
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Summer: Set to 78°F when home, and 85°F when away.
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Winter: Set to 68°F when home, and 60–62°F when away or sleeping.
🔁 Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat (like those certified by ENERGY STAR) can automatically adjust temperatures based on your habits and weather forecasts.
💡 Savvy Tip: Many smart thermostats pair beautifully with Goodman systems, giving you remote control, energy reports, and adaptive scheduling for extra comfort and savings.
🪟 Step 2: Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
Even the most efficient HVAC system struggles if your home leaks air like a sieve. Cracks, gaps, and poor insulation let conditioned air escape — meaning your system works overtime.
The EPA’s Energy Star program estimates that sealing leaks and adding insulation can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs.
🚪 Common Problem Areas
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Around windows and doors
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Attic hatches and basements
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Electrical outlets and plumbing penetrations
Use caulk for small cracks and weatherstripping for movable parts like doors. For larger gaps, expanding spray foam works wonders.
🧱 Add Insulation Where It Matters Most
Attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are prime targets for heat loss and gain.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s insulation guide recommends insulation levels based on your climate zone — check your region’s R-value to know what’s right for your home.
🌬️ Step 3: Maintain Your HVAC System
Regular maintenance ensures your heating and cooling system performs at peak efficiency. A neglected system uses 10–25% more energy, according to HVAC.com.
🧰 Easy Maintenance Habits
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Change filters every 30–60 days.
Dirty filters block airflow and force your system to work harder. -
Clear the outdoor condenser.
Keep 2–3 feet of space around your Goodman unit and remove leaves or debris. -
Clean coils twice a year.
Use a soft brush or garden hose to remove buildup. -
Schedule a yearly tune-up.
Professional service includes checking refrigerant charge, airflow, and electrical components.
💡 Savvy Tip: A simple tune-up can often pay for itself in energy savings — and it keeps your Goodman warranty valid.
⚙️ Step 4: Improve Air Circulation
You can feel more comfortable at a higher thermostat setting when air moves evenly.
💨 Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
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Summer: Run fans counterclockwise to push cool air downward.
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Winter: Switch to clockwise at a low speed to circulate warm air rising to the ceiling.
The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that proper fan use can make a room feel 4°F cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat and save energy.
🚪 Balance Room Airflow
Ensure vents are open and unblocked. Furniture, rugs, or curtains covering vents can restrict circulation and cause uneven temperatures.
☀️ Step 5: Harness Natural Heating and Cooling
The sun is your home’s most powerful (and free) heating and lighting source — but managing it smartly is key.
🌞 During Summer
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Close blinds or reflective curtains on east- and west-facing windows during the day.
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Install low-E (low-emissivity) window films or upgrade to Energy Star-rated windows (Energy Star Window Guide).
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Open windows during cooler nights to let fresh air circulate.
❄️ During Winter
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Open blinds during sunny days to let warmth in.
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Close them at sunset to trap heat.
💡 Savvy Tip: Insulated or thermal curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 10% in winter.
🔌 Step 6: Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older HVAC systems, refrigerators, and water heaters can quietly drain your wallet.
According to Energy.gov’s appliance efficiency data, upgrading to Energy Star-rated models can reduce household energy use by 20–30%.
✅ HVAC Upgrade Example
If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, upgrading to a Goodman 14.3 SEER2 or higher model can save up to 40% in cooling costs compared to outdated 10 SEER systems.
Look for features like:
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Variable-speed fans for better humidity control
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High-efficiency compressors
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R-32 or R-410A refrigerant for eco-friendly performance
🌡️ Step 7: Use Zoning or Multi-Stage Systems
If your home has multiple levels or unused rooms, zoning allows you to control temperatures independently.
Modern HVAC zoning uses motorized dampers in ductwork and individual thermostats for each zone. That means you’re not cooling or heating rooms you’re not using.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) reports that zoning can cut energy use by up to 25%, especially in larger homes.
💡 Savvy Tip: Even without full zoning, closing doors to rarely used spaces can help maintain efficiency.
🔋 Step 8: Add Renewable or Smart Upgrades
Small technology investments can yield long-term savings.
☀️ Solar Integration
If you live in a sunny region, rooftop solar panels can offset a large portion of your energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office reports that the average U.S. homeowner saves $1,500 annually on electricity after switching to solar.
🌬️ Smart Home Additions
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Smart plugs let you monitor real-time power usage.
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Energy monitors like Sense or Emporia track which devices consume the most.
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Smart vents can fine-tune airflow for each room.
These upgrades give you greater visibility and control over your energy footprint.
🧩 Step 9: Regularly Check for Rebates and Incentives
Federal and state governments, as well as utility companies, offer rebates and tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades.
The ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder helps you locate incentives for new HVAC systems, water heaters, insulation, and thermostats.
In 2025, under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can receive:
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30% tax credit on qualified HVAC systems
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Rebates for insulation and air sealing
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Incentives for installing heat pumps and smart thermostats
These programs make upgrading both affordable and rewarding.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Comfort and Savings Can Coexist
Lowering your energy bills doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort — it means optimizing how your home uses energy.
Start small:
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Adjust your thermostat wisely.
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Seal leaks and insulate well.
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Maintain your Goodman system regularly.
Then, when you’re ready, explore long-term upgrades like smart thermostats or higher-efficiency HVAC systems.
Each small change compounds into real savings — not just on your monthly bill, but in your comfort and peace of mind.
To see how your cooling system can help you save even more, explore the Goodman 2 Ton 14.3 SEER2 Air Conditioner Condenser — designed for efficient, affordable comfort that lasts for years.
In the next Blog we will learn more about Common AC Issues and Quick Fixes — When to DIY and When to Call a Pro
