Are you SCARED of your monthly energy bills? You shouldn’t have to be. Big changes, like investing in high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment, will obviously have the largest impact on your monthly statements. But smaller, mindful changes around your home can really add up!

Check out these tips for lessening your energy demands:

1. Turn off the lights when you aren’t in a room or use a timer.

2. Switch to high-efficiency light bulbs.

3. Lower or raise the temperature your thermostat is set at (depending on the season).

4. Wear layers instead of cranking up the thermostat during the winter.

5. Set your thermostat to “AUTO” instead of “ON.”

6. Keep all your vents and registers open.

7. Keep the windows and doors of your home closed and seal them properly.

8. Change your furnace filter.

9. Sign up for budget billing if your utility company offers it.

10. Avoid using space heaters and other supplementary heating methods.

11. Operate your ceiling fans correctly for the best air distribution—clockwise during the winter and counter-clockwise during the summer.

12. Wash your clothes in cold water.

13. Take shorter and cooler showers.

14. Open or close curtains depending on the season.

15. Unplug items like televisions and kitchen appliances when they aren’t in use.

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Barron Heating & Air Conditioning is launching Solar by Barron, a new division providing sun-powered, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions in Northwest Washington.

“Our certified solar designers create systems for residential and commercial buildings that don’t require direct sunlight,” said John Barron, owner of Barron Heating. “Heating and cooling systems are the largest consumers of energy in the home. Our solar designs not only eliminate that expense but also address the entire energy usage of the building.

“Solar energy reduces one’s electricity costs, adds to a home’s value and is better for the environment,” Barron added. “A rooftop solar array can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 24 vehicles driven for one year.”

Solar by Barron will host an open house from 5-7 p.m. March 28 in the Ferndale showroom at 5100 Pacific Highway, along the east side of Interstate 5 between West Smith and Slater roads. Refreshments from Catering by Boundary Bay Brewing will be provided along with up to $8,000 in door prizes and giveaways (must be present to enter). Space is limited and RSVP is requested at www.BarronHeating.com/solaropenhouse  by March 14.

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected providers of home comfort products and services with locations in Ferndale, Burlington and Marysville. Approximately 145 employees serve customers in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

Barron Heating offers a wide range of heating and air conditioning products and services, including ductless heat pump and in-floor radiant systems. It also features a large selection of gas, wood and pellet stoves and fireplaces.

For more information, call (360) 676-1131 or visit www.SolarByBarron.com.

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