Start with an audit
Know where the energy goes before you spend. An audit ranks the fixes and avoids guessing.
It may reveal simple, inexpensive steps.
Air seal first
Leaks carry the heat you pay for out of the house. Sealing the attic floor, rim joist and large gaps pays back early.
It also reduces dust and noise.
Add attic insulation
A deep, even layer is the next best step in most homes. Baffles and a sealed hatch complete the job.
It is the easiest large improvement.
Fix the ducts
Sealed, insulated ducts deliver more of the conditioned air. This is especially valuable with ducts in attics or crawl spaces.
Check your system before replacing equipment.
Floors, walls and windows
Crawl space and floor work, wall fill and window sealing come next. Replacement windows are often the least cost-effective upgrade.
Choose by findings, not by advertising.
Equipment and habits
Right-size new equipment after the envelope is improved. Smart thermostats, filters and sensible settings help too.
Small habits add up over a year.
Audit, seal, insulate, fix the ducts and only then size new equipment.
