Male VO: Did you know that more than HALF our household energy costs go to heating and cooling? Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment, it means lower utility bills, too.

One way to reduce your energy waste is a home energy assessment. Your utility company can help – or you can learn how to do it yourself at EnergySavers.gov.

You’ll learn to look for air leaks around windows and doors, check ducts for holes and to improve your insulation.

Another time to cut energy costs is when you shop for a new appliance.  Look for the Energy Star logo and read the EnergyGuide label.

And there are day-to-day things you can do. Lower your thermostat in winter and raise it in the summer. Close fireplace dampers when they’re not in use. And keep air filters clean.

For more tips on saving money by reducing your energy waste, check out FTC.gov/green.

A tip from the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency.