Energy efficiency does more than lower homeowners’ energy bills – it also helps to lessen the impact each home has on the environment. All of the modern conveniences we enjoy on a regular basis have a hidden cost beyond what we see on our utility bills. They consume resources, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and create waste that can harm the environment. Although these impacts may be small when viewed individually, when taken in aggregate they can have a substantial global effec. The good news is that there are plenty of things homeowners can do to reduce the effect their homes have on the environment, and many of those things are relatively easy.

Every little bit homeowners can do to make their homes more energy-efficient makes a difference, especially when you consider that the energy American homes waste costs nearly $300 billion each year. Much of that energy is wasted because of things that are easily avoidable, such as improperly insulated attics, cracks around windows or doors, and lights left on when no one is in the room. Discovering these issues requires homeowners to take the responsibility for conducting an energy audit of their homes.

Ideally, an energy audit should be conducted by a trained professional with the experience to spot and identify issues that may be leading to wasted energy. However, even without the help of these professionals, homeowners can make a difference by conducting their own DIY energy audits in the meantime. By following the accompanying checklist and checking for common issues, homeowners can locate these trouble spots and fix them before they incur any more wasted energy that raises their utility bills. You’ll feel better about what you’re spending, and you’ll also feel better about the reduced impact on the environment.