Taken individually or together, these tips will help increase home energy efficiency:

• Seal air leaks and then insulate your home. Check for drafts around electrical switches, outlets and register covers, where outside air finds easy access. Then consult the U.S. Department of Energy for a helpful insulation guide that will help you determine the right insulation for your attic, crawl space and other areas that lead to wasted energy.
• Install weatherstripping and window film around doors and windows, where you could be losing between 10 and 25 percent of the energy your home consumes.
• Adjust your thermostat to lower the heat setting or raise the cool setting. By adjusting your thermostat by even 1 degree, the U.S. Department of Energy reports you can save between 2 and 4 percent on your energy bill.
• Open your shades and drapes on sunny days, even when it’s cold outdoors. The sun will help warm your home, reducing the burden on your furnace. But remember to close your shades and drapes at night to keep the cool air out.
• Check all air registers in your home to ensure that they are not blocked by heavy furniture.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat, which allows you to set your furnace and air conditioner to work around the times that your family members are home, and save energy--and money--when they’re not. This single investment may be among the smartest you can make.
• Treat your spring and winter maintenance HVAC check like a religion. It could save you untold dollars on repairs and breakdowns, and keep your system working flawlessly.

For other home energy-efficiency tips, contact JonLe Heating & Cooling. We can survey your home, discuss your energy habits and needs, and even draw up a personalized list of recommendations to make your Greater Cincinnati home as energy efficient as it can be.

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