Did you know that heating and cooling costs account for over half of a typical American home’s energy bill? Additionally, houses and buildings that need a heater continually running put extra stress on said heater.

Here are 4 easy tips to help you reduce the size of your bill and keep your heating unit running smoothly throughout the rest of the winter:

1. Insulation – insulation is not only great for keeping in heat during the winter, but also for keeping heat out during the summer. Taking care of your attic to ensure that it has proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep your bill down, and helps keep the strain off of your central heating/cooling.
2. Set your thermostat 15 degrees cooler when you’re gone for the day (work, all-day errands, etc.). You can even invest in a programmable thermostat that handles it for you, so it can start getting your house comfy again before you even walk back in for the evening.
3. Windows – Ensure that there are no places for air to come in/go out of your house near your windows. An easy way to check is to hold up a candle near closed windows and see if the flame reacts. If so, it’s time to seal them up nice and tight. Additionally, you might want to consider double-pane windows, which help keep heat from transferring out.
4. Chimneys – If you have a chimney, chances are you’re losing money through it. An easy way to tell is by sticking your hand up the chimney. Feel a draft? Your damper isn’t air-tight. The cheapest fix is to get a well-fitting Chimney Balloon to help seal it up for the winter months.

Following these tips will not only reduce your energy bill, but also reduce the wear and tear on your central heater/air unit.