Guides / Heating and cooling
Get more from your furnace and AC
Filters, tune-ups, vents and what SEER2, HSPF2 and AFUE mean.
A well-maintained system uses less energy and lasts longer. Most of the improvement comes from simple things: clean filters, open vents, clear outdoor units and yearly service.
Simple wins
- Check the filter monthly during heavy use; replace when dirty
- Keep supply and return vents open and unblocked
- Clear 2 feet around the outdoor unit
- Have the system serviced once a year
Ratings, in plain English
- SEER2: cooling efficiency for AC and heat pumps. Higher is better.
- HSPF2: heating efficiency for heat pumps. Higher is better.
- AFUE: the share of fuel a furnace turns into heat. A 95 percent AFUE furnace wastes about 5 percent.
Leaky ducts
Ducts running through attics, crawl spaces or garages can lose a lot of heated or cooled air. Sealing accessible joints with mastic or foil tape (not cloth duct tape) helps; a contractor can test and seal the rest.
General energy-saving information. Savings vary by home, climate, equipment and rates. Efficient Home Help isn't paid by any utility, brand or contractor.