Improving Home Energy Efficiency


Propane prices can be very expensive - especially during the winter heating season when the demand for propane is typically higher. Constantly monitoring the price of propane can help a consumer reduce his/her current propane price per gallon. However, monitoring the price of propane to find the lowest propane price among local propane suppliers is only one component to help a homeowner lower his/her annual heating cost.


It is important for a homeowner to evaluate the overall energy efficiency of his/her home on a regular basis. With the high price of propane, improving home insulation can be a significant part of a consumers plan to lower his/her annual propane cost.


Unless your home was specifically constructed for energy efficiency, it may be possible to reduce your propane cost by upgrading and/or adding insulation. Many older homes have less insulation than homes built in recent years. However, regardless of the age of the home, homeowners should still evaluate the existence of insulation and consider other energy efficiency upgrades that may help to lower his/her propane cost. In addition, with new energy saving products being introduced each year, homeowners should review and consider installing products that may help accomplish the goal of reducing his/her annual propane cost. Evaluating energy efficiency starts with determining the areas that may need improvement, including evaluating appliances, waterheating and heating equipment efficiency as well as the quantity and quality of insulation in your home.


A qualified home energy auditor can conduct a whole-house energy assessment for a fee. An energy assessment, also known as a home energy audit, will help you identify areas in your home that may need energy efficiency improvement. A home energy auditor may be able to perform installation work or recommend qualified professionals that install energy efficient materials and equipment.


A qualified energy auditor should be able to share information regarding the cost and government tax credits that may currently apply to various energy saving products. In addition, the auditor should be able to provide an estimate of the time to recapture your installation costs and provide an estimate of your longer-term energy savings with the new products installed.


In summary, with a home energy audit, you should be able to identify the areas in your home that may need improvement in the area of energy conservation. With improvements implemented, it is very possible that you will lower your energy costs in the short-term and make your home more desirable to prospective buyers in the future should you decide to sell in the future.



Return to the top of this page