An inefficient house can drain enormous amounts of energy almost as quickly as it drains your wallet. The following questions help you measure your house’s efficiency, and determine what improvements you can make.

• Have you had a professional energy audit of your house in the past year? An energy audit will identify heat leaks in windows, fireplaces, doors, and the roof.
• Do you change or clean the filters in your furnace once a month? This helps keep your heating system in top condition and can even prevent fires.
• If your hot-water heater is in the basement or another unheated place, have you had it wrapped in an insulation blanket to prevent heat loss?
• Have you had a professional contractor inspect your heating system in the past year? A contractor will check your thermostat, electrical connections, and gas and oil connections.
• Are your appliances approved by Energy Star? If your appliances are more than a few years old, they may be costing you money. Newer, Energy Star approved products are better for the environment and your wallet.
• Have you installed a programmable thermostat to help distribute heat more efficiently and without the hassle of turning it up and down?