Nearly 50 percent of your annual utility bill is spent heating and cooling your Monroe home. You can save a considerable amount of money this year with these tips designed to lower your energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency of your home.

1. Install a programmable thermostat. You can save up to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling costs with a programmable thermostat that allows you to save energy while you're away from home or sleeping.
2. Combat heat gain in the summer and embrace it in the winter. Prevent heat gain in the summer by keeping your window shades drawn during the day, and welcome it in the winter by keeping your shades open during the day.
3. Choose Energy Star appliances when it's time for a replacement. Appliances and electronics with the Energy Star logo use up to 15 percent less energy than comparable models.
4. Make the switch to CFLs. Compact fluorescent lights use 75 percent less electricity and last up to six times longer than incandescent bulbs.
5. Plug in to a power strip. Many electronics continue to draw electricity even when they're turned off. Plug monitors, VCRs and phone chargers into a power strip and turn off the strip when you're not using the appliances.
6. Insulate your water heater. Save up to 9 percent on water heating costs by insulating the hot and cold water pipes as far as you can reach, and install a pre-cut insulating jacket on the tank. Set your water heater to 120 degrees to save even more money. 
7. Maintain your HVAC equipment. An annual tune-up will increase system efficiency to save you money, as well as extend the life of your furnace and air conditioner and prevent common breakdowns.
8. Schedule an energy audit. A professional energy assessor can tell you exactly where your Monroe home is losing energy, as well as provide solutions to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

For more expert advice about energy savings, please feel free to contact us at Tri-County Heating & Cooling. We serve Monroe and surrounding areas.

Image via Shutterstock.com