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Saving energy means saving money. Homeowners and renters know

this basic fact, but they often don’t know what kinds of adjustments they

can make in their homes and apartments that will result in savings.

For those willing to spend some time and money to reap longterm energy savings, an energy audit is the way to go. An energy auditor will come into your home and assess its energy efficiency. The

auditor will pinpoint areas of your home that use the most energy and

offer solutions to lower your energy use and costs. Trained energy

auditors know what to look for and can locate a variety of flaws that

may be resulting in energy inefficiency, including inadequate insulation, construction flaws, and uneven heat distribution.

There are quicker and less costly measures that can be taken as

well. One way to save money is to replace incandescent lights with

fluorescents. This can result in a savings of more than 50% on your

monthly lighting costs.

When it’s time to replace old appliances, it’s wise to spend a bit

more for an energy-efficient model, and be sure that you are taking

advantage of energy-saving settings already on your current refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer.

Windows provide another opportunity to cut your energy costs.

Caulk old windows that might be leaky to prevent drafts, and choose

double-paned windows if you’re building an addition or replacing

old windows.

Most areas of your home or apartment offer opportunities to

save energy and money. The results are significant and are well worth

the effort.