|  | Energy Conservation  The amount of money that you spend monthly on energy   bills has a direct correlation with the behavior in the home and how well things   are maintained. So, when making new investments in upgrades to your home, be   sure to think about the many no-cost/low-cost steps you can take to save energy.  
  
    Check the level of insulation in your exterior and basement   walls, ceilings, attic, floors, and crawl spaces. Contact your local contractor   for advice on how to check your insulation levels. 
 
Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings,   windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets   that can leak air into or out of your home. 
 
Check for open fireplace dampers. 
 
Make sure your appliances and heating and cooling systems   are properly maintained. 
 
Study your family's lighting needs and use patterns, paying   special attention to high-use areas such as the living room, kitchen, and   exterior lighting. Look for ways to use daylighting, reduce the time the lights   are on, and replace incandescent bulbs and fixtures with compact fluorescent   lamps (CFL's) or standard fluorescent lamps. More Debt and Credit Education Topics:    |   Ads by DogPile    Short Term Cash 
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