Many homeowners begin home-improvement projects as the temperatures drop. Winter weather is just a few months away so homeowners should think about fixing up their heating systems to reduce their heating costs.

Many green products can be repaid quickly. Incandescent lightbulbs for example are popular but inefficient. Only 10% of the energy they use actually generates light. While compact fluorescent lamps are initially more costly, they use less energy, last longer, and homeowners can save more money on electricity and bulbs by replacing them with cheaper ones.

Heating and cooling costs account for half of all energy bills in the United States. A home that is more energy efficient will have lower monthly bills. This is only possible for consumers who can’t afford higher fuel, food, and energy costs.

Carrier technicians (www.residential.carrier.comThis is a list of tips from, which manufactures some the most energy-efficient cooling and heating systems on the planet.

– Make sure your windows are checked. Although you might not think of windows as part of your cooling and heating system, if there is air left through them, it will be more expensive to heat and cool your home.

Look out for the Energy Star when installing windows. Energy Star products, which were developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy help reduce carbon emissions and use less energy. Energy Star windows can also be used to block sunlight from damaging your skin and prevent drafts.

Insulate carefully. Your home will benefit from insulation with a higher R-value.

– Select a smart heating/cooling system. Programmable thermostats can be programmed to adjust the temperature of your home according to your schedule. You can turn down the heat when you aren’t there and then ask the thermostat for heat to be turned up right before you return. Some models even have an electronic prompt to remind you to change your air filters when they become clogged.

Visit ww.carrier.com for more information about cooling and heating systems in your home.