HipForum

Question: "I have noticed that my energy bills the past few months have been unusually high. I know that they will be higher during some months of the year, but how can I be sure that I'm operating my home so that I am making the best use of my energy capabilities?”

Thanks so much for your question. And your question is especially applicable now that the winter months are approaching. To truly have a hip home, you need to educate yourself on the savvy use of energy in order to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills down. Here are some of the best practices for the equitable and positive use of your heating and cooling system. This should keep your energy bills under control if practiced faithfully.

Many older homes were constructed with ducts that are not properly insulated. I can't say enough about properly insulating your home. Have these ducts sealed and insulated to ensure that you are not losing heat or air through them. If you have a newer home, have your duct system inspected regularly to ensure that they are properly sealed and insulated.

Another place in your home that can benefit from technology is your thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat holds a variety of attractive benefits for homeowners. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10 percent per year on your heating and cooling bills by turning your thermostat back during the times when you don't need it.

Installing an attic fan will make a huge difference during the summer months. An attic fan is much more efficient in cooling your home than using the air conditioning. Open your windows and allow your attic fan to draw in cool air. This may pose a problem for people with allergies, so make sure you have quality window screens that filter out unwanted particles.