Here is a checklist for your walk-about if you have not yet done so, to review or evaluate your house for energy efficient or defective occurrences an

- TAKING A HOLISTIC VIEW OF THEv WHOLE HOUSE or building “system”, its parts and components, areas and structure, its core, outer shell, affixtures, strong, in good repair, cost-effective
- All areas and aspects of the house, interior, exterior, roof, basement/foundation, windows, doors, walls, floors etc.
- Coverings and aesthetics, roof
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Appliances
- Fixtures
- Lighting
- Heating and cooling

Tougher building codes to encourage energy efficiency and savings are now increasingly making its way into the construction industry, but also older homes need attention.

``We will basically have to unlearn everything we've learned over the last 30 years and retrain virtually our (entire) industry workforce
to build houses to a higher energy-efficiency standard.''

Victor Hiume, president of the Ontario Home Builders Association
"Rising oil prices and higher heating bills
have caused consumers to search for meaningful ways
to reduce their home heating cost."

Michael Lotesto, president of Illinois-based Performance Exteriors


You can look at various options for your own home (depending on the applicability) YOURSELF or through a third party, expertise – go from the front door literally all the way through and around and check for:

- Blower door and duct – baseline, diagnostics and problem-areas
- Leaks and drafts, holes, cracks and crevices – visual inspections, tests and sealants, plug and repair
- Interior and exterior windows closed and in good condition, working order
- Caulking, rubberizing (where appropriate)
- No leaks on the roof or visible drafts, moisture, exposure or more
- Double-windows, in good condition, seals intact
- Storm-doors secure and functional
- Humidifiers, condensation
- Back-doors and patio doors closed properly
- Thermostat and Furnace check and even efficiency testing
- Carbon monoxide testing
- Ductwork
- No gas leaks (natural gas)
- Repair and maintenance
- Window sealing (indoor and out)
- Alternative heating sources (energy from natural gas, propane, paraffin, oil (lamps and heaters), coal, wood-burning fireplace, electric space heaters
- Thermal imaging or thermo-graphy to determine weak-spots or problem-areas
- Sources of restorable energy, batteries, chargers, panels, turbines, generators
- Insulation
- Lower use, energy efficient appliances and lighting sources in and around your house
- Solar panels and lights, low energy bulbs
- Sources and used of energy (list and shortlist, alternatives)
- Window coverings (blinds, curtains etc.), door-stoppers to keep drafts out
- Window well covers, window sealing kits (in-door use)