Now more than ever, homeowners are looking for simple ways to save money on their energy bills.  With fuel costs rising, it’s wise to take advantage of every opportunity to reduce energy use and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system.  Believe it or not, you can get significant savings just by taking small measures to operate your heating and cooling system more efficiently.

Want the most energy efficient home? Here's one way to keep costs down during the colder months of the year. If you put this task on your spring to-do list, you'll be that much readier when temperatures begin to drop again in the fall.

Keeping heating and cooling costs down is a priority for all of us. Although  the SEER ratings of your home heating and air conditioning units may not be the first thing you think of when considering energy use, awareness of the ratings can help to maximize energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

If you have ever watered a flower garden with a leaky hose, you probably watched much of the water leak out before getting to the flowers. Your home air ducts work in the same fashion as a garden hose. If it isn't sealed, warm or cold air leaks away before coming through your registers.

If your ductwork is leaking, you're losing money. You spend your money on fuel to cool or heat your home and, before it reaches your indoor space, leaks in ductwork allows some of that cooled or heated air to escape – which means your money is escapes, too.

Even if you've just upgraded to a highly efficient A/C system, it may come up short if your ducting system isn't functioning properly. Duct sealing is a great way to keep your home temperate and your A/C functioning the way it should.

Most homes have leaky ductwork to some degree, and that reduces air quality while costing you comfort and money. In an average home, about 30 percent of conditioned air is lost to leaks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But Rodenhiser offers Massachusetts homeowners an effective and affordable solution: Aeroseal.

Leaks in your ductwork cost money, stress your air conditioner and can even lead to allergy flares. The network of air passageways that runs through your home isn't exactly an aesthetic feature, either. It's hidden inside walls, crawlspaces, and attics. So unlike a plumbing leak that leaves a trail of water, a duct leak might go unnoticed for years.

Ready to install a new air conditioning system? A ductless air conditioning system is an option to consider. It is a flexible, affordable alternative to ducted central A/C or window units. The benefits of ductless air conditioning show why it is a serious contender for keeping your space cool.

Karlyn Knafo is the Marketing Coordinator at Fibertec Window and Door Technologies, the link between informed consumers and high performance windows and doors. We recently asked her about the benefits of fiberglass windows and doors. Here's what she had to say: