Saving money by keeping your utility bills down doesn’t have to be difficult. There are simple ways you can keep your home tightened up. You can start by plugging holes, patching roofing or siding and adding weather-stripping around doors and windows.

If you have a little money to invest, switch out any single pane windows for double pane windows or even triple pane styles. You can also replace insulation in the walls, attics and other spaces around the house.

Have old appliances? There are newer Energy Efficient appliances being made today that qualify for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s EnergyStar label. According to the website, these appliances can be twenty to thirty percent more efficient than your standard model.

Want more information on how to make your home energy efficient? Visit Regreenprogram.org or even websites such as www.fsc.org or www.energystar.gov.

During the summer, temperatures can soar. Keeping your home cool and your air conditioning unit working at full capacity is critical – especially if you are in warmer climates. If you don’t think your home is as cool as it should be and that your AC isn’t working correctly, check these items:

Sensor Issues – Window air conditioners have a thermostat sensor behind the control panel, if the sensor is knocked out of position, your AC can cycle on and off and act erratically.
Electric Control Failure – Compressors and fans wear out, this can be the case if your unit turns off an on.
Drainage Problems – Does your unit have proper drainage?
Leaks – Is your refrigerant charged correctly? It should match the manufacturers specs.

Last, make sure your home is properly insulated and weatherized. Keep your windows covered with a shade or drape, have proper insulation in your attic, program your thermostat and of course weatherize your home with weather-stripping, especially around air conditioning units, around crawl spaces and in garages.