For this week, I thought it would be good to focus on something that seems to be sparking more interest nowadays: efficiency.  It seems like there are more and more places discussing ways to make your home more efficient, so why not make a little list of efficient ideas here?

Here are 10 energy-saving ideas you can implement in your home to help increase its value:

1. Update the HVAC equipment – Think about ditching that old furnace with a new, energy efficient alternative.  Nowadays, there are numerous versions of energy saving furnaces for you to choose from at competitive prices.
2. Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives - A pretty fundamental way to save on energy, but very effective in the long-term.
3. Install Solar Panels - While this has been around for quite some time, it is definitely becoming more mainstream nowadays.  If you plan on doing this though, make sure to analyze your electricity loads to see if it is a feasible option.
4. Analyze and replace insulation - If any of your home’s insulation has deteriorated, make sure to replace it, as it can be a huge factor in making your home more energy-efficient.
5. Make the most of natural lighting - Windows, skylights, and any other forms of natural lighting are great ways to develop an energy-efficient mindset.  They’re great because they make you not want to turn on any lights!
6. Get energy-efficient appliances - Energy-efficient appliances are also becoming much more prevalent.  You should be able to find them pretty much anywhere that sells appliances and for good prices as well.
7. Think about your landscaping - Something many people may not bother to think about is how their landscaping can impact the efficiency of their home.  Granted, this could be a very time consuming task, but you can use your landscaping to reduce energy costs. For example, you could plant mature, full trees in your yard to protect from wind, which will help save on heating costs.
8. Weatherstrip and Caulk any air leakages - Analyze any creaks, cracks and crevices for air leakages.  If you find any, seal them up with weatherstripping or caulk to help save on heating expenses.
9. Install a Wind Electric System - Similar to the idea of solar panels is setting up a wind electric system.  Just like with solar panels, be sure to analyze your electricity loads.  In addition, you will need to check your local codes and requirements to see if setting up a wind electric system is permitted.
10. Replace Windows with energy-efficient alternatives – Another item growing in popularity is energy-efficient windows.  If these fit in your budget, they may be worth getting.  If nothing else, you could at least talk to a professional about them to see how much energy you could be saving with them.