The first step to taking a whole-house energy efficiency approach is to find out which parts of your house use the most energy. A home audit will pinpoint those areas and suggest the most effective measures for cutting your energy costs.
Energy Auditing Tips:
*Check the insulation levels in your attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces. Visit www.energysavers.gov for instructions on checking the insulation levels.
*Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home.
*Check for open fireplace dampers.
*Make sure your applianecs and heating and coooling systems are properly maintained. Check your owner's manuals for the recommended maintance.
*Study your family's lighting needs and use patterns, paying special attention to high-use areas such as the living room, kitchen, and outside lighting. Look for ways to uselighting controls-like occupancy sensors, dimmers and timers-to reduce lighting energy use, and replace standard (incandescent) light bulbs and fixtures with compact or standard flourescent lamps. (US department of energy)
Stay tuned weekly for more energy saving tips.