(NAPSI)—There’s good news for homeowners. By taking a few practical steps, they can help to put a lid on rising energy costs.

According to the ENERGY STAR program, the typical U.S. household spends approximately $1,300 per year on home energy bills—and 50 to 70 percent of that is spent on heating and cooling.

Fortunately, one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use at home is to ensure that your home is properly insulated.

Starting At The Top

From attics to basement walls to floors over crawl spaces, there are many areas of the home that can benefit from proper insulation. One of the more important places to start is the attic. It’s the most accessible and least expensive to insulate.

Some recommend using a fiberglass loose-fill insulation, such as CertainTeed’s InsulSafe SP, which boasts superior thermal efficiency and sound control. Adding insulation can also qualify homeowners for rebates and tax credits. Check out www.certainteed.com/itools to find out what incentives are available in your area.

A Helpful Energy Audit

Another resource is the Residential Energy Services Network, or ResNet. It offers certified auditors who can help homeowners evaluate a home to determine where and how energy is being lost.

The audit can also find out what systems are operating inefficiently and what cost-effective improvements—such as adding insulation-can be implemented to enhance comfort and lower utility costs.

For more energy-saving tips or to find a contractor, visit www.certainteed.com/insulation or call 800-782-8777.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)