Avoid high heating costs this winter by keeping these tips in mind:

1. Turn down heat in vacant units. Setting back the thermostat in empty units or unused rooms is a great place to start, but a more efficient option is to install smart thermostats. Smart thermostats use sensors to know when a room is empty and automatically set back to the programmed temperature. Energy Trust offers $50 cash incentives for qualifying models.
2. Fix drafty areas. Properly weatherizing doors and windows is an effective way to reduce heating costs. Energy Trust offers up to $0.30 per square foot on qualifying insulation.
3. Schedule HVAC maintenance. Remember to perform routine maintenance checks on HVAC equipment and change out air filters to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system.
4. Upgrade your heating equipment. If you’re spending more time performing repairs, upgrading to new equipment may be more cost effective. Energy Trust offers cash incentives on a wide range of energy-efficient heating equipment. If you would like help selecting or installing energy-efficient equipment, use Energy Trust’s Find a Contractor tool to find a qualified professional to help you with the project.