The average American family spends $2,200 a year on energy
bills, according to the EPA’s Energy Star program. Nearly half
of that goes toward heating and cooling. Saving energy can also
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change,
according to the EPA. Here are some EPA tips: - Maintain your
heating equipment. Dirt and neglect are the top causes of
heating system failure. Check your system’s air filter every
month and change it when it’s dirty and at least once every
three months. - Use a programmable thermostat, which can save up
to $180 a year. - Seal air leaks in your home with caulk, spray
foam or weather stripping. - Use Energy Star’s Home Energy
Yardstick to compare your home’s energy use to similar homes and
see what improvements you could make. - Look for Energy Star-
qualified products. The Energy Star label is on more than 60
kinds of products, ranging from heating and cooling equipment to
compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).