5 tips to reduce your Winter energy bill woes!

account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home,

making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Take these steps

to reduce your energy costs during the cool winter months!

1. Program your thermostat. Installing and using your programmable

thermostat could save you up to $180 every year in energy costs.

2. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your

heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent - and sometimes

much more.

3. Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion

and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a

fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or

cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can

cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.

4. Install Energy Star Appliances: Not only does investing in new

appliances efficiently warm your home in the winter and cool it in the

summer, you stand to save more in the long run says the

Environmental Protection Agency. After installing, file for an energy

tax credit!

5. Conduct an Energy Assessment on your home: The ENERGY STAR

Home Advisor can provide you with recommended home improvement

projects to increase energy efficiency and comfort in the area where you

live.

Source: www.energystar.gov http://www.energystar.gov/homeadvisor