Heating & Cooling
Tips for Cutting Your Home Cooling Costs
By NUI
Jan 29, 2005, 15:25

(NUI) - You know the saying, "You get what you pay for," but is your home efficiency giving you what you pay for in energy bills?

Each year, homeowners lose energy and money because they don't maximize their homes' energy-saving potential. According to the Department of Energy, making energy saving improvements to your home could save you 10 percent to 50 percent on your energy bills.

The company that brings you Heil brand heating and cooling products suggests you improve efficiency this summer by focusing on these areas in your home:

* Programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can save energy and money by operating at a more cost-efficient temperature while you're asleep or away from home and by automatically lowering the temperature to cool your home just before you wake up or return. New Heil programmable thermostats can help you save money and are backed by a five-year warranty.

* High-efficiency air conditioning. Purchasing a new, more energy-efficient system can cost less than keeping an older, less energy-efficient system. The Heil QuietComfort line of 14 SEER air conditioners is energy efficient and can save up to 50

percent on your summer cooling costs, compared to less efficient alternatives.

* Windows. Better windows provide better insulation. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with double-pane windows. Today's high-efficiency windows can improve heating and cooling energy savings by 15 percent. Also, be sure to lock your windows to help press the weather stripping tightly together for a better seal. This seal will help trap the cool air inside and reduce heat seeping in through windows.

* Appliances. Be sure to use the appropriate settings for your appliances to help reduce the waste of energy and resources. In the long run, replacing older appliances with newer and more energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your energy bills.

* Get a yearly system checkup. Each year, have a qualified heating and cooling service contractor check your system, perform routine maintenance and make sure it is running at top efficiency. Preventive maintenance to your home cooling or heating system could save you money and energy.

To find a contractor near you, go to www.heil-hvac.com and click on the dealer locator button.