CHANGE FOR THE
0 „J9 better with
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® helps businesses and individuals protect
the environment through superior energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR is administered by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
www.energystar.gov
KEEP THE H.E.A.T. INSIDE THIS WINTER WITH ENERGY STAR®
The average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, much of which goes to heating and cooling. With winter
approaching, the government's ENERGY STAR program offers tips and advice to help Americans stay warm and
comfortable in their homes and save money. By reducing the amount of energy used in your home, you save money on
energy bills, and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by burning fossil fuels to make that electricity.
That reduces the risks associated with global climate change.
Get Your Home Ready for Winter
"H.E.A.T." efficiently with ENERGY STAR this winter. The four steps below will help improve your home's comfort,
save energy and save money—while protecting the environment at the same time.
~	Home sealing. If you add up all the hidden air leaks in your home, they can equal a hole the size of an open
window - and can lead to higher energy bills by allowing heat to escape and causing your system to work
harder to keep you comfortable. This makes home sealing one of the first and most important steps you can
take to reduce home energy costs year-round. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation—paying special
attention to your attic and basement, where the biggest gaps and cracks are often found—will keep warm air
inside where it belongs and help your equipment perform more efficiently. Do it yourself or hire a contractor.
For more information, get EPA's "Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling" and "A DIY Guide to
ENERGY STAR Home Sealing" at www.energystar.gov.
~	Equipment maintenance. Dirt and neglect are the number one causes of heating and cooling system failure.
Equipment maintenance is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your heating system at peak
performance. Schedule a fall check-up of your heating system with a licensed contractor. Also, clean or
change your system's air filter once a month to prevent increased energy costs and system failure.
~	Ask for ENERGY STAR. Look for the ENERGY STAR when purchasing new products for your home. Found
on more than 50 types of products from heating and cooling equipment, appliances, electronics, and lighting
to windows and new homes, the ENERGY STAR means you are getting the most energy-efficient product
that will not only save money on energy bills, but also help protect our environment.
~	Thermostat use. Use a programmable thermostat to regulate your home's temperature. Programmable
thermostats save energy by offering four convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings that scale
temperatures back when you are away and scale up when you return. When used properly, a programmable
thermostat can save as much as $150 every year in energy costs.
Save more and stay comfortable with the following tips:
~	Use your ceiling fan. Even in the winter your ceiling fan can help improve your comfort. Most fans have a
switch which allows you to reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise
direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied
space.
~	Change your lights. Replacing five of your home's most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs to ENERGY
STAR qualified lighting can save $60 in energy costs each year.
~	Put your computer to sleep. Activate your computer and monitor's power management features to power
down when sitting idle. Depending on your usage patterns, computers and monitors that have enabled power
management features can save from $25-$75 per year in energy costs.
More Information
For more information on improving your home's overall heating and cooling efficiency:
Go to the ENERGY STAR @ home interactive tool (www.energystar.gov/home'). which provides energy-efficient home
improvement ideas and energy saving tips and advice for your entire home.
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

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