Here are some tips for making your home as energy-efficient as possible:

• Check all windows and doors for air leaks. Caulk or air strip problem areas.

• Check for leaks in your duct system and coil enclosure. Consider adding insulation to your duct system.

• Wrap your water heater with an insulated water heater blanket.

• Seal gaps between heated and unheated spaces. This may be around pipes, ducts, fans or vents.

• Consider installing ceiling fans with reversible motors. In the winter, fans push warm air that collects at ceiling level back down into the room.

• Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one. They are a great way to control the temperature in your home for maximum energy efficiency.

• Install adequate insulation. 

• Install storm or thermal windows and doors.

• If you're looking to get a new home comfort system select a high-efficient, variable-speed heating and air conditioning system. The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating), indicates the efficiency of a gas furnace. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. If your present furnace is ten years old or older, it’s probably in the 60 to 70 percent AFUE range. That means you’re wasting about 30 to 40 cents out of every dollar you spend for heat. By replacing your old furnace with a new, high-efficiency model with an AFUE of 80 or 90 percent, more of the fuel you pay for is turned into heat.

For maximum efficiency we recommend having your heating system serviced prior to the heating season.          Tips to help save energy during the winter season:

• Clean or replace your furnace filter at least once every 30 days.

• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower during the day.

• When using your fireplace, turn your thermostat down.

• Keep your fireplace damper closed when it is not being used.

• Dust or vacuum the vents in your home to ensure the free flow of warm air.

Summer Season Tips

Summer can be hard on your system. To extend the life of your air conditioner it is important to have a yearly inspection prior to each cooling season. This will help the unit to work properly and at maximum efficiency.

 Here are tips to help your air conditioner last as long as possible:

• Have your home’s air conditioning system cleaned and service before the Summer season.

• Add insulation to your attic.

• Cover all exposed windows and weather-strip all doors and windows.

• Keep programmable thermostats at 78 degrees (F) or higher when not at home (for each degree you raise the thermostat above 78 degrees, you save up to five percent on cooling costs). If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider purchasing one. It’s worth the investment.

• Don't set your thermostat at a colder temperature setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and therefore unnecessary expense.

• Dust or vacuum the vents in your home often to ensure the free flow of cool air.
• Invest in a good quality, pleated air filter designed to capture more dust and debris. Change it at least every month. Regularly replacing your filters will help your air conditioner operate smoothly.  Clogged or dirty filters block normal airflow and can reduce a system's efficiency over time. 
• Whole house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. They are effective when operated at night and when the outside air temperature is cooler than the inside.
• Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. When it's humid set the fan speed on low. You'll get better cooling.
• Consider ceiling fans to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.
• Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air conditioning thermostat.
• Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units but not to block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.