Energy Saving Tips
Have your furnance and gas appliances serviced annually by a qualified contractor to ensure safety and maximum energy-efficiency.

When buying a new heating system or appliance, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs.

Adjust vents to keep specific rooms of your home at the desired temperature. Heat rises, so you may want to partially close upstairs vents.

Seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, with caulking or weather-stripping.

If pipes or ducts run through unheated areas, insulate them.

Close vents and doors in unused rooms.

Avoid blocking heating vents and air returns with furniture, draperies, or carpet.

A dirty furnace filter can drive up the cost of heating your home. Change or clean filters in heating and cooling units at least four times a year.

Check to see if your attic and crawlspace and/or basement have insulation. Add insulation as needed.

Repair leaky hot water faucets promptly.

If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.

The fireplace is one of the most inefficient heat sources you can possibly use. A roaring fire can exhaust as much as 24, 000 cubic feet of air per hour to the outside. The warm air is replaced by cold air coming into the house from the outside. Do not use your gas fireplace or gas logs to heat your home. Use them for decorative purposes only, and sparingly in very cold weather.