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How To Do A "Home Energy Audit"

Here's One "Audit" You'll Love!

1. Get a "home energy audit".

If you haven't received an energy audit for your home yet, call your local power company and find out how to get one -- you might save hundreds or even thousands. But remember that expensive improvements such as energy-efficient windows may not be cost-effective. Ask for cost/benefit figures to prove that recommendations are worth the money spent.

2. Do a
self-audit.

You might save nearly as much money using these energy-saving tips. For a more complete list, see EnergyGuide's Do-It-Yourself Energy Audit.

•	Seal off all cracks and vents that could be leaking air (especially in the attic and chimney).
•	Close off seldom-used rooms, lower their thermostats and close their vents.
•	Clean the vents and filters of your heating and A/C units to keep them efficient, as recommended by the manufacturer.
•	Consider replacing old energy-hogging appliances: air conditioners use only 50% of the energy they did fifteen years ago, water heaters are often 20% more efficient than ten years ago, and today's furnaces are about 25% more efficient than they were twenty years ago. These improvements often pay for themselves in just a few years.

(Next Gem: Gas Prices Joke)

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