My family and I applied about 7 months ago for a federal grant for a weatherization program. This program is designed for energy conservation. The gentleman that came to my home today was there to inspect the home to see where we might be losing energy and thus causing our utility bills to be expensive. He went through my house with a fine tooth comb, looking at the attic, the basement, and everything in between. I would like to share with you some of the wonderful tips he provided me with. (He was very informative.)

1. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are/were insulated well.

2. If you are going to add insulation, spend most of your insulation budget filling the walls and the attic, then around the windows and doors. Insulating the open air underneath your home, provided it is only crawlspace, is handy, but unless you reside in a very warm climate, is low on the priority list. Heat rises, therefore, it is not going to sink and escape.

3. Ventilation is key in reducing your cooling costs during the hotter months. Warm air and cool air cannot occupy the same space at the same time. So, the warm air must be expelled for cool air to effectively chill your living space. Range hood exhaust fans, bathroom exhaust fans, as well as attic fans should be installed to create proper expulsion of moist, warm air. Heat+moisture=mold and mildew.

4. The duct work in your home is vital to keeping it warm in the colder months and cool in the warmer months. If there are leaks present, you are spending a huge amount making the attic or lower crawlspace comfortable for all the spiders and creepy crawlies that take up residence there.

5. Super-Savers: 10% of your energy bills can be saved by caulking or sealing around all windows, doors, and seams. 10% can also be put back in your pocket by shading your air conditioning unit outside. Shaded units work way more efficiently than ones that must work in the sun all day. Another 10% can be chopped off using a programmable thermostat.

6. Double paned windows reduce heat loss by 20%-50%.

7. Replacing 25% of the lights in areas where heavy lighting is needed most will reduce your lighting energy costs by 50%.

These tips will not only put money back in your wallet, but also help to keep our environment healthy.