With winter setting in across the nation, the Environmental Protection Agency encourages Americans to continue to take action to save energy and cut heating costs this winter:

• Maintain heating equipment: Dirt and neglect are the main causes of heating system failure, so be sure to maintain your equipment. Now is a good time to schedule a pre-season checkup of your heating equipment with a licensed contractor to make sure your system is operating at peak performance. Check your system’s air filter every month and when it is dirty, change it. At a minimum change it every 3 months.
• Use a programmable thermostat: Regulate your home’s temperature while you’re away or asleep by using one of the convenient pre-programmed settings on a programmable thermostat. When used properly, programmable thermostats can save you up to $180 every year in energy costs.
• Seal air leaks in your home: Sealing air leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a significant impact on improving your comfort and reducing energy bills. If you are adding insulation to your home, be sure to seal air leaks first, to ensure you get the best performance from your insulation.
• Utilize the ENERGY STAR Website: Use ENERGY STAR’s Home Energy Yardstick to compare your home's energy use to similar homes across the country and see how your home measures up. ENERGY STAR’s Home Energy Advisor can give recommendations for energy-saving home improvements for typical homes in your area.
• Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products: Whether you are replacing light bulbs or appliances in your home, ENERGY STAR qualified products can help you save energy and reduce energy bills. The label can be found on more than 60 types of products ranging from heating and cooling equipment to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

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