Energy Efficiency
There are a variety of measures that can be taken to reduce energy costs and simultaneously improve home comfort. Some will save more energy than others and should be prioritized accordingly.

Insulation
Many homes are insufficiently insulated, and adding insulation will not only result in increased comfort, but will provide a significant return on investment year after year.

Installing insulation in attics, walls, box sills, crawl spaces, and on basement walls has become a science and should be done only by trained persons to avoid fires, structural rot and mold contamination. If you will be attempting to add insulation on your own, review current research to ensure you will be using the proper materials in the right locations with the correct protocol.

Heating and Cooling
A new furnace with an efficiency rating of 90 percent or higher can significantly reduce heating costs. A new central air conditioning system with a SEER rating of 12 or higher can also reduce cooling costs.

If you lack funds to update your heating/cooling system, at least ensure your system is properly maintained to operate at maximum efficiency.

A programmable thermostat can also save energy by allowing the indoor temperature to rise or fall automatically while you are asleep or at work, and then re-establish your comfort temperature just before you wake up or return home.

Windows and Doors
If your windows do not have insulated glass (double pane), they should have exterior storm windows installed. Upgrading windows is the best option in many instances. New windows are made with insulated glass and are specifically designed to help control air leakage. In the same way, non-insulated doors should have a storm door installed. Energy efficient and durable metal doors are now very inexpensive for those wanting to upgrade.

Air Infiltration
Air infiltration is one of the greatest causes of energy loss, yet one of the easiest to correct. Installing weather-stripping around windows, doors and the attic hatch, as well as installing foam gaskets behind switch and outlet covers, can help reduce uncomfortable drafts and energy loss.

There can be other areas of significant air leakage that are not as obvious. Structural air leakage is a major, yet often unrecognized energy-loss problem. Major points of leakage can be hidden in the attic, under floors and within walls. A home performance professional can help locate hidden air leakage.

Lights and Appliances
When shopping for appliances, study the energy-rating labels and purchase those that offer the greatest efficiency. When buying light bulbs, consider the actual cost of operation and not just the initial purchase price. One of the easiest ways to save energy is to replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs cost much less to use and last a lot longer. Outdoor light fixtures with photocell switches and motion detectors can also reduce energy consumption.

This article is copyrighted and reprinted with permission by DanSchilling and Home Resource Magazine. To receive a copy of Home Resource, contact Sarah Schilling at publisherhr@gmail.com.

This article is intended to be general in nature and is not intended to address all potential issues. Specific determinations must be obtained by qualified experts.