Cost Of Home Energy Reduced By Regular Heating/Cooling System Maintenance

(NAPSI)-Your home heating bills will be less likely to get you hot under the collar if you follow a few simple, cost-efficient tips.

• Have your heating system checked annually by a heating, ventilating and air conditioning contractor. Routine maintenance will increase the lifetime of your system and ensure more efficient operation.
• Clean or replace your heating filters at least twice a season or as directed by the manufacturer.
• Make sure your attic and walls are properly insulated. Caulk around the windows and keep them closed tight. Add weather stripping to draft sources.
• Turn your thermostat down five degrees to save energy and still protect your pipes from freezing.
• Don't store chemicals or other household cleaning products near the furnace. The unit needs space for proper ventilation. Nearby flammable items pose a potential fire hazard.
• Don't block warm-air outlets and cold-air returns by covering them with carpets, furniture, or debris.
• Turning your thermostat down by five degrees when you are away from the house and before going to bed will make a big difference in heating costs during winter months.

This information comes from experts at North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation's largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians. A NATE-certified technician is an individual who has demonstrated knowledge and technical skills in the installation and servicing of HVAC/R equipment. The U.S. Department of Energy endorses NATE for its dedication in raising quality standards for installation and maintenance of HVAC/R equipment and contributing to increased energy efficiency.

For more information, call 877-420-NATE. To find a nearby NATE-certified technician, visit the Consumer Contractor Connection at www.natex.org and click on the "consumers" icon.

All of us have an opportunity to help our nation conserve water by using these suggestions to fix problems that contribute to wasted water and modify habits to reduce energy costs.