| There are few homeowners willing to ignore | | | | renovations. |
| cost-effective ways of saving money on their | | | | Some of the most significant energy upgrades |
| household bills; so it comes as no surprise a growing | | | | homeowners can make include: |
| number of homeowners are educating themselves on | | | | - Installing a programmable thermostat, or lowering |
| how to make their home more energy efficient. | | | | the heat during the cold months when you are not |
| The smallest changes can yield the biggest results. | | | | home. Each degree below 68°F (20°C) during |
| Whether it is the simple act of replacing incandescent | | | | colder weather saves 3%-5% more heating energy. |
| bulbs with compact fluorescents or larger tasks like | | | | - Caulking to improve your home's air tightness. |
| installing low-flush toilets, every conscious undertaking | | | | - Switching from incandescent bulbs to fluorescent or |
| is a step toward increasing your home's energy | | | | LED light bulbs. |
| efficiency. | | | | - Installing water-saver flush kits or replacing regular |
| Some homeowners may feel their home does not | | | | toilets with low-flow toilets. |
| need to be energy efficient because it is either a | | | | - Replacing regular shower heads with low-flow or |
| new build or not broken or in need of fixing. Both are | | | | energy-efficient shower heads. |
| common misconceptions costly for not only the | | | | - Weatherstripping around doors and windows. |
| homeowner but also the environment. | | | | - Replacing appliances older than 15 years old with |
| An energy audit is a wise investment for many | | | | Energy Star models. |
| homeowners eager to see where their home's | | | | - Using a room air conditioner to cool down one room |
| energy efficiency could be improved. It is | | | | rather than the entire cooling system. |
| recommended homeowners hire a certified energy | | | | - Turning off lights, computers, and household items |
| advisor from a licensed service organization to | | | | like appliances and electronics when not in use. |
| conduct the audit. The energy advisor will conduct a | | | | - Using cold water to reduce the energy consumption |
| thorough evaluation of the home, and provide a | | | | of your washing machine and adjusting the water |
| detailed record of recommended upgrades or | | | | levels to coordinate the size of laundry loads. |