Here are a few tips to help you reduce your homes heating & cooling costs! If you have tried these tips and your heating or air conditioning expenses are still high or not meeting your needs, it might time to consider replacing your old HVAC system.

Tips for Cutting Your Heating Bill

• In winter months, open your curtains during the day to naturally heat your home and close them at night to keep the heat inside.
• Use a programmable thermostat to set your heater back while you are away or asleep.
• Consider air sealing your home and adding insulation to your walls and attic to help retain your home's heat. Up to 25% of your home's heat is lost through small cracks and holes throughout your home.
• Seal your air ducts, and make sure they are properly insulated when they are installed in an unheated area of the home, such as an attic or crawlspace.
• Weatherstrip around your doors and windows to keep warm air from escaping.
• Set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise to blow the rising hot air down.
• Make sure your chimney is clean.

Tips for Lowering Your Cooling Costs

• Install and set a programmable thermostat -- it could help you save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs a year.
• Use a fan. Ceiling fans will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees without impacting your comfort.
• Insulate your attic and walls, and seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
• Insulate and seal ducts -- air loss through ducts accounts for about 30% of a cooling system's energy consumption.
• Don't heat your home with appliances. On hot days, consider using a outdoor grill instead or your oven.
• Install energy-efficient window coverings that let natural light in and prevent solar heat gain.
• Buy ENERGY STAR-qualified AC unit -- on average they're up to 15% more efficient then standard models.
• Use the bathroom fan when taking a shower or bath and a range hood when cooking -- this helps remove heat and humidity from your home.