Your heat pump can use 10 percent to 25 percent more energy if it's not properly maintained, which includes regularly checking and replacing the air filter when it's dirty to keep parts from working too hard or even becoming damaged. Keep brush and plants tidy around the outdoor unit, and dust the return registers inside. Also, two degrees can make a big difference on your electric bill. Setting your thermostat 2 degrees Fahrenheit higher in summer and lower in the winter results in major energy savings. Investing in a programmable thermostat can save even more-these devices automatically lower and raise your home's temperature. Set it and forget it! Find more ways to save at TogetherWeSave.com. For more details on heat pump maintenance,  visit EnergySavers.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy