Windows are the weakest link in your home’s outer defenses against heat loss.

How is energy lost? The biggest culprits are air leaks and poor-performing windows. But every home is unique. An energy auditor will tell you where the biggest savings lie in your home.

Where does my energy go? About half of the energy consumed in the average home goes to space heating and/or air conditioning. But all areas are targets for energy improvements as energy costs rise.

Common carbon monoxide sources. Carbon monoxide is produced by gas-, oil- and wood-burning devices. Auto exhaust and poorly vented furnaces are the most dangerous sources in the home.

Backdrafting. Backdrafting is a condition in which air flows down a flue or chimney rather than up, and combustion fumes can’t flow out. The fumes spill into your living areas.

Insulate Right! When you insulate, do it right. Compressing fiberglass batts or leaving even small gaps can cut efficiency of your new insulation in half.

Free heat from the sun! During the winter and other cold months, keep the curtains on the south side of your home open during the day to let in free solar heat. Close those curtains at night to help prevent heat loss.

Sealing air leaks is one of the most effective ways to save energy and money.

Shading saves energy because it blocks out direct sunlight, which is responsible for about 50% of the heat gain in your home.

You can reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator uses by positioning it away from heat-producing sources such as ovens dishwashers or direct sunlight.

If you are faithful about changing your filter, you typically won’t have to clean the blower

Passive cooling = Energy savings. Shading your home with trees, awnings and shades can lower the indoor temperature by as much as 20 degrees F on a hot day.

Raise your thermostat, save$$. You can save up to $100 in a summer by raising your air conditioner’s thermostat to 78 degrees F.