High Energy Bills!

Increasing energy bills are a fact of life. Gas, electricity, and fuel oil costs have been increasing each year, and predicitons for the future indicate similar trends of increasing prices for years to come.

Look for the ENERGY STAR
The good news is that there are many things that can be done in and around your home to reduce your energy consumption, and hence reduce energy costs. One of the easiest ways to save on energy is to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products and appliances.

The ENERGY STAR program is a collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DoE), whose mandate is to work with manufacturers to create products and best practices which reduce energy consumption and protect the environment.

Save more than $600
With ENERGY STAR products and appliances, you can save more than 35 percent on your home's energy consumption, while maintaining all the features and benefits you're accustomed to. The average U.S. family spends $1,900 per year on their home energy consumption, which translates into a savings of more than $600 per year.

Look for ENERGY STAR ratings on the following items:

• Appliances
• Heating and Cooling Systems
• Home Envelope Sealing Products
• Home Electronics
• Office Equipment
• Lighting

More energy-saving solutions
Energy conservation goes well beyond purchasing energy efficient appliances and household items. Substantial amounts of energy can be saved each day by fixing or servicing inefficient and poorly maintained equipment. For example, clogged air filters and loose fan belts require extra energy to be consumed unnecessarily.

Improve ventilation and air sealing
Energy can be saved by improving attic ventilation, sealing windows and doors, and increasing insulation in floors, walls and attics. Sealing air ducts prevents heated (or cooled) air from escaping, which reduces heating (or air conditioning) costs.

Reduce consumption
Washing only full loads of laundry, turning air conditioning systems off when away from home, and reducing the thermostat on your water heater and limiting unnecessary water use can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in savings.

A home energy audit identifies problem areas
The best way to identify the most effective ways to save energy - and reduce your monthly energy bills - is with a home energy audit. You will find out where the problem areas are in your home, and get recommendations for how to fix them.