Here are some steps you can take to save energy and help lower your heating or air conditioning bills:

¥ For air conditioning dial up or for heat dial down your thermostat to 65¡F to 68¡F during the day and 58¡F at night or when you will be gone for four hours or longer. (Seniors, infants and people with certain medical conditions may need different temperatures)

¥ Use a programmable/setback thermostat. They provide energy savings by automatically adjusting your home's temperature by schedule.

¥ Insulate warm air ducts and cold air returns that pass through cold areas (such as an unheated basement, crawlspace, garage or unheated areas of your home). Use duct tape to repair any holes or cracks in seams before you insulate. See illustration below:

Make sure supply dampers are open.

Move any drapes, furniture or carpet which is obstructing         registers or grilles.

Repair any leaks in air ducts and air returns.

Wipe off dust plugging supply and/or return registers.

Remove high-pile carpet blocking baseboards.