Most parts of the country are well into winter, that time of year when heating your home and office is a high priority. Finding eco-friendly ways to do that, however, may not be top of mind.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently printed an article on how you can reduce energy usage and still keep your workplace nice and toasty. It’s easier than it sounds – just clean and maintain your heating ducts!

Well worth the small fee associated with cleaning heating ducts, the savings can make an immediate difference in your heating bill. As with everything else in your office, an unmaintained heating system becomes covered in dust and particles that will block the flow of air. A few months later, mold growth can occur, contaminated your breathing air and further blocking heating duct airways. The result is unhealthy air in a less-than-cozy office space.

The EPA recommends that ducts be cleaned as necessary, using the indicators of mold on hard surfaces of heating registers, workers experiencing allergies and visible dust inside ducts. Take a moment this December to check your heating ducts – you’ll be glad you did.