There are many things a person can do to improve the energy efficiency of their home. Most hardware stores carry do-it-yourself products. The key is to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Here is a starter list: - Seal air leaks by using quality caulking. - Seal air leaks using weatherstripping around doors and some movable windows. - If you have a forced air furnace, check the heating ducts for cracks and other openings, and seal them with duct mastic (not duct tape). Wrap any supply or return ducts running through an unheated space with R-11 fiberglass. Change the furnace filter once a month. Keep forced air blower motor blades clean and oil the motor each year. This will help heat air more efficiently. - If you have a boiler or electric baseboard heat make sure that the heating register is clean so air can easily pass through. - Drain about a gallon of water from your water heater tank monthly to eliminate sediments and corrosion accumulation. - Install an insulation jacket for the water heater if it is an older model and located in an unheated area. For more maintenance tips, read the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Savers.

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