Home heating and cooling can account for as much as 50% of a household’s energy bills. Effectively managing your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems requires no sacrifice of comfort, yet can have a massive impact on energy bills. Furthermore, HVAC adjustments can be made in small steps, making it the perfect solution for homeowners who are looking to make gradual, yet tangible improvements in their energy efficiency.

The outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and floors of a house each represent a potential site for heat and air transfer. Properly sealing and insulating a home is a cost-effective way to save up to 20% on annual heating and cooling costs. Educated homeowners or knowledgeable contractors can add insulation, seal leaks, and replace windows in a step-by-step retrofit.

In today’s market, energy efficient appliances use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. The key to understanding energy efficient appliances is to compare the additional cost of the appliance to the energy saved over its lifetime. In most cases, the money saved by switching to an efficient model more than outweighs the higher upfront cost of the appliance.

New-age lighting has been generating a lot of hype in the last several years, and for good reason! Lighting comprises between 10 and 20% of the average American home’s electricity bill. While most consumers have been told to “switch their bulbs” to reduce their bills, the landscape for energy-efficient light bulbs can often be confusing and overwhelming. With some basic information, however, switching bulbs is one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to lower your energy bills.