Energy prices are up and homeowners are bracing for bigger heating bills.  The Energy Star program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has steps you can take to help lower your energy bills and reduce air pollution.  Wendy Reed from the E-P-A:

�First, heat and cool smartly. That means have your heating and cooling equipment serviced every year and remember to replace air filters regularly.  Use a programmable thermostat, and when it's time to replace old equipment, choose an Energy Star-qualified model.  Second, seal up your home, seal air leaks, add insulation and choose energy star-qualified windows when replacing old ones.  Taking these steps, you�ll improve the comfort and durability of your home, save energy and help protect the environment.� 

To learn more about how you can help cut your energy bills, get a free copy of the E-P-A�s Guide to Energy-Efficient Cooling and Heating by visiting energy-star-dot-gov, or dial 1-triple 8-s-t-a-r yes.