DIY Energy Audits Save Money

Energy efficiency is most certainly a buzz phrase these days. And homeowners and renters alike are starting to think about (and practice) ways to conserve, as much for the environment as for relief to their own pocketbooks.

But hiring your own energy auditor is expensive. A few common sense measures could reap huge benefits. For example, lighting accounts for about a tenth of a residential electric bill. Lowering the wattage or replacing your incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) can save money over the long-term, according to the government-backed Energy Star program, which says its CFLs uses 75 percent less energy and lasts 10 times longer.

Need help with less obvious energy fixes?