The Big Ticket Item: Heating & Cooling.
Heating and cooling account for 44 percent of your total utility bill, more than any other system in your home. No matter what kind of heating, A/C or ventilation system you use, proper maintenance and purchasing energy-efficient equipment will save you big bucks and increase your comfort.
The Big Ten...Tips, that is.
1 � Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in winter and as high as possible in summer.
2 � Clean or replace furnace or A/C filters once a month.
3 � Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators�make sure furniture, carpeting or drapes do not block them.
4 � Bleed trapped air from hot water radiators twice a season, and place a heat resistant reflector between the radiator and exterior wall.
5 � Turn off kitchen, bath or other ventilating fans as soon as they have done the job. One fan can pull out a houseful of air in one hour.
6 � Select 90% energy-efficient equipment when you buy a new furnace or air conditioner.
7 � Check ducts for air leaks and proper insulation. Leaking or poorly-insulated ducts can add hundreds of dollars to your annual energy bill.
8 � If you live in a moderate climate and use electricity for heat, explore purchasing a heat pump�they can save as much as 30% to 40% on your electrical heating bill.
9 � Consider installing a whole-house fan to help cool your home.
10 � In summer, close your curtains and shades during the day--in winter, open curtains on south and west-facing windows.
It's not tough to beat the cold winter blues or sweaty summers if you follow the Big Ten Tips.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Pay attention...you could save yourself some grief...
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