Things you can do that are a long-term investment in energy savings.

While there are all kinds of no- to low-cost ways to save energy, sometimes a larger investment is required to gain the most ground.

Ceiling, wall and floor insulation — While building codes have prescribed appropriate levels of insulation to curb energy waste in home construction since about 1990, many homes either have inadequate or no insulation. The answer to this problem is to increase insulation levels … but, you don’t want to make that decision on the floor of the hardware store. First things first.

What you need before anything else happens is an energy audit. We recommend scheduling a FREE energy audit with the Energy Trust of Oregon and learn whether adding insulation makes sense for you home. An energy audit will give you guidance on how you can save energy and money and create a comfortable living environment. The Energy Specialist will come to your home, recommend energy-saving measures specific to your home and install FREE compact fluorescent light bulbs, faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. We strongly recommend an audit be accomplished prior to any major investment in additional insulation.

To schedule an energy audit with the Energy Trust of Oregon, call 866-ENTRUST or 866-368-7878.

Major appliance purchases — There is no question that an energy-smart major appliance purchase (refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, heating systems) can generate significant dollar savings over the lifetime of the appliance. Why pay $20-$30 more per year than is necessary?

There’s a ton of good information energy-efficient appliences from the Oregon Department of Energy Web site. But here are some basics on shopping for an energy-efficient model:

• All major energy-using appliances are required by the Federal Trade Commission to include a yellow and black label on each appliance that gives consumers a good idea how that respective model performs. Look for these labels on refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, water heaters, furnaces, boilers, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, heat pumps and pool heaters.
  
  The estimated annual operating cost posted on the label is a composite price based on national averages. Always calculate your savings using your local utility's prices.



• On many appliances look for an "Energy Star" logo. The Energy Star program is operated by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star labels are on those appliances that these government agencies feel meet high levels of energy efficiency than the average comparable model.