# What's the Best Way to Heat and Cool Your Home Efficiently? > To heat and cool your home efficiently and reduce spending, it's important to keep the HVAC system in good working condition with regular maintenance. The heating and cooling systems in the average home typically use about half of the energy consumed each month. To heat and cool your home efficiently and reduce unnecessary spending, it's important to keep the HVAC system in good working condition with regular maintenance. What specifically should you focus on? ## [![air filter](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/air-filter-2-e1424885681802-300x200.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/air-filter-2-e1424885681802.jpg)Air Filter The [air filter](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/getting-best-furnace-filter-coming-heating-season.html) protects HVAC components from dust and dirt accumulation, which degrades function and efficiency. A clogged filter increases energy consumption and can cause parts, such as the furnace blower, to fail early. Take a look at the packaging to see the recommended cleaning or changing by the manufacturer. In general, the air filter should be checked every month and changed once dirt has built up on the medium. ## Thermostats and Temperature Settings If you’re in the habit of using thermostat settings to save energy, consider installing a [programmable thermostat](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/programmable-thermostats-way-go-upgrade-manual-model.html) to make your job easier. Programmable thermostats offer a minimum of four daily event changes, and you may select a thermostat that also offers daily program changes to accommodate any schedule. While the home is unoccupied during working hours, turn-back/up the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for substantial savings. During sleeping hours, turn-back/up the program four to six degrees. ## Air Ducts Inspect the air ducts for leaks, holes and disconnected sections. The ducts are typically installed in the basement, crawl spaces or attic, and they’re easy to forget about. However, air ducts in poor condition can lose up to 30 percent energy. Ducts can be sealed and repaired with screws, mastic paste and foil-backed tape. Ducts in the unconditioned spaces should be insulated. ## Preventive Maintenance and Care Schedule annual preventive maintenance with your HVAC contractor to ensure efficient and long-lasting operation and efficiency for your furnace and A/C. These systems are important investments in comfort and energy expenditures. It pays in the long run to take good care of them. For more information of how to heat and cool your house efficiently, please contact us at [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We serve residents in the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://www.shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/whats-best-way-heat-cool-home-efficiently.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/whats-best-way-heat-cool-home-efficiently.html)