Keep dampers closed except when the fireplace is in use. Glass doors on a fireplace provide an extra barrier against drafts. Poor duct connections waste much of the energy spent on heating and cooling. Seal duct joints with mastic sealant. Insulating the ducts is also recommended.
Insulated walls keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
In summer, shade windows with shade screens, awnings or white blinds to help keep heat out. Insulating ceilings is an easy and effective way to cut heating and cooling bills. Insulating an attic could yield as much as a 20 to 30 percent reduction in heating and cooling costs. Clean or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters monthly, and have air and heating systems serviced annually. Automatic, programmable thermostats will control heating and air-conditioning more efficiently, especially when no one is home.