The heat of summer is over and the colorful leaves of autumn are here, which means now is the best time to begin thinking about making your home more energy efficient for those chilly winter months. Below are a few simple updates and maintenance tips to ensure your home saves as much energy as possible this winter season!

1. Replace your filters
     Replacing your furnace filter is easy to forget about, but now is the time to make it a priority. A clogged HVAC filter causes the fan to work harder and uses more energy than necessary. Changing your filter regularly also reduces allergens and strain on your system that may cause a costly failure. 

2. Sealing and Insulating
     Many people may not realize that heating and cooling usually make up about 40% of their home's energy usage. A quick way to reduce your usage is to seal drafty areas in your home. Inspect your door's weather stripping and window gaskets for leaks. If you're interested in finding air leaks in your home, contact us for a free energy audit.

3. Program your Thermostat
     Assuming you've already purchased and installed a programmable thermostat in your home, be sure to update it with any schedule changes you may have! The US Dept of Energy suggests keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees while you're awake and even lower when you're sleeping.

4. Double Check your Chimneys and Vents
     Before you use your fireplace this year, be sure to have your chimney inspected and serviced to avoid hazardous fires and carbon monoxide seeping into your home. Be sure to ask your chimney sweep to inspect your damper as well. Check all exterior exhaust fans from the kitchen and bathroom(s) to make sure these are functioning properly.  

Don't wait until you receive your first cool-weather bill to call an Energy Advisor for your free energy audit. Our Energy Advisors will conduct an in-person or virtual audit at your convenience. Contact us at (317) 745-5473 or at www.hendrickspower.com.