As the new year begins, many homeowners are looking for practical resolutions that make a real difference. One of the smartest goals you can set is lowering your energy costs while staying comfortable year-round. Small habit changes paired with the right upgrades to your HVAC system in Slidell, LA, can add up to significant savings in 2026—without sacrificing comfort for you or your family.
Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way All Year
Ceiling fans are one of the simplest tools for reducing heating and cooling costs, but only when they’re used correctly. In summer, set fans to spin counterclockwise so they push air downward and create a wind-chill effect, helping you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. In winter, switch the direction to clockwise at a low speed. This gently pulls cool air up and redistributes warm air that naturally collects near the ceiling, reducing how often your heating system has to run.
Set and Program Your Thermostat Strategically
Thermostat settings play a huge role in monthly energy bills. In winter, aim for a lower setting when you’re asleep or away, and in summer, set it higher during those same periods. Even adjusting temperatures by a few degrees can result in noticeable savings. If you don’t already use programmable schedules, start creating them so your system isn’t working harder than necessary when no one is home.
Seal the Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Air leaks are a silent budget-buster. Small gaps around windows and doors let conditioned air escape and outdoor air creep in, forcing your HVAC system to run longer cycles. Applying weatherstripping, caulk, or door sweeps is an affordable DIY project that can quickly pay off. A tighter home means less wasted energy and more consistent indoor temperatures.
Take Advantage of the Sun
The sun can be a free heat source in winter if you use it wisely. Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally warm your home, then close them at night to reduce heat loss. In summer, do the opposite: keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block solar heat gain and reduce cooling demands.
Upgrade With Smart Technology and Ventilation
Beyond DIY steps, professional upgrades can dramatically improve efficiency. Smart thermostats learn your habits and automatically optimize temperature settings, often saving more than manual programming alone. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) improve indoor air quality while minimizing energy loss, making them especially valuable in tightly sealed homes.
Consider Zoning or a Heat Pump Conversion
Zone control systems allow different areas of your home to be heated or cooled independently, so you’re not paying to condition unused rooms. Another powerful upgrade is switching from a traditional furnace to a modern heat pump. Heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling in one system, offering lower operating costs and improved comfort throughout the year.
Making 2026 the year you save on heating and cooling doesn’t require one big change—just the right combination of smart habits and smart upgrades.