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7 w w w.HomeAndGardenGuides.com exterior door jams, door bottom, and windows, as well as the caulking around windows and doors. Also, address any damaged siding, fascia and soffits, mortar cracks, and other areas of identified air leakage. • Hire an HVAC expert to conduct an energy audit to determine where you're losing ener- gy. Older homes experience around 70 percent air leakage in ductwork, on average. An HVAC professional can perform a building envelope test that will determine if your ducts need sealing or replacement," says Frank Wickstead, adjunct professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Building Construction in Atlanta. • Add extra insulation in the attic and/or crawl- space. is can help prevent these places from becoming superheated and transferring heat down to the living areas. e recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or approxi- mately 10 to 14 inches, based on insulation type, per the US Environmental Protection Agency. • Ensure that your attic is well ventilated with a properly working attic fan. is helps keep air circulating throughout your attic, which prevents it from becoming superheated and transferring the energy downstairs. • Upgrade your thermostat. Invest in a programma- ble smart thermostat that lets you automatically adjust the temperature around your household schedule. A smart thermostat can save as much as 10 percent annually on heating and cooling bills. • Invest in thermal curtains. Prepare to use these when the sun is at its peak to block heat from entering your home. ese curtains can also help cooled indoor air from escaping from poorly fitted windows. • Tune your AC system once springtime arrives. Have the equipment cleaned, electrical checked, system charged, and mechanicals evaluated to make sure your air conditioning system is running at its best capabilities. • Change your air filters regularly. A clogged filter reduces airflow into the system and decreases the output of cooled air. Restricted airflow also strains your system, increasing the chance of failure. Many experts recommend chang- ing filters every month to 45 days. • Use ceiling fans. According to the National Resource Defense Coun- cil, a ceiling fan can make a room feel 10°F cooler yet only uses 10 percent of the energy expelled by an air conditioner. Today, most ceiling fans use the same electric- ity as a 100-watt lightbulb. ere are also smart ceiling fans that can be set on a schedule. • Replace incandescent, halogen, and/or fluorescent light fixtures/ bulbs with energy-efficient LED upgrades. ose older types of bulbs can be a considerable heat source during hotter months. • Remove obstructions. Make sure furniture is not blocking any air registers. And provide ample clearance around your exterior air conditioning unit. Keep shrubs, bushes, plants, and other items at least two feet away from your AC unit. Try to keep your outdoor unit in the shade, as it will use up to 10 percent less electricity than if it were exposed to sunlight. u Kaitlyn Holeman IPG Gutenburg UK Ltd Maudib