How to improve the energy-efficiency of your home today

When the seasons change, the energy needs in your home change right along with them. And yet, whether you need to heat or cool your home, there's one thing that never shifts: You want to do so as efficiently as possible.
An energy-efficient home is more than just good for the environment. It's good for your pocketbook as well. By eliminating any unnecessary energy expenses you ensure you have more money to spend enjoying all the season has to offer. You can start making your home more energy-efficient today and it begins with these four tips.
* Get proactive about your insulation. Your home's insulation is often treated with an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality, yet improvements here could dramatically support your home's energy-efficiency. While insulation is commonly seen as a benefit to keep your home warm in the winter, it also works to keep cool, air-conditioned air inside as well. Your insulation needs depend, in part, on where you live, but it's worth your time to research this opportunity. Check to see that you have sufficient insulation and make additions or replacements as necessary.
* Have your HVAC system serviced. A well-functioning HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system can have a dramatic impact on your home's energy-efficiency and now is the perfect time of year to have your unit serviced. During their visit your HVAC contractor will monitor refrigerant levels, clean the evaporator, the condenser and the coils as well as adjust the blower components. This should improve your unit's output, however, if your cleaned unit still cannot keep the house comfortable at a reasonable rate, you can replace it with a more energy-friendly model.
* Bring your windows into focus. The role your windows have in dictating the temperature in your home can be considerable. Older windows allow cool air to escape outside and that makes your air conditioner work harder to control the interior temperature. Replacing them eliminates this problem and sets you up to more easily retain heat during the winter. And if new windows simply aren't possible right now, you can also make a smaller, more immediate impact on your energy-efficiency by closing the curtains during peak sunlight hours. This helps keep the temperature of your home cooler and reduces stress on your HVAC unit.
* Consider alternative energy sources. Instead of simply focusing on what you can do with your current energy situation, expand your options to alternative energy sources as well.
Start improving your energy-efficiency today.
Improving your home's energy-efficiency benefits you not only during the summer but all year long, so what are you waiting for? Start applying the tips above today and you'll see the benefits on each and every single energy bill going forward.