Your Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor might recommend any of these typical energy-saving home improvements: Sealing air leaks and adding insulation Sealed air leaks and properly installed insulation in attics, walls and floors allow more even temperatures throughout the home and result in a quieter, more comfortable, and less costly living environment. Ensuring adequate ventilation Ventilation, or the exchange of indoor air with outdoor air, is critical to reducing indoor air pollutants, moisture, and odors in your home. Without proper ventilation, contaminants such as formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and radon can cause health problems. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth and physical damage to your home. To ensure the health and safety of the occupants, the program requires mechanical ventilation to be installed as deemed appropriate by your participating contractor. To learn more, see the U.S. Department of Energy's overview of whole-house ventilation and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s fact sheet on whole-house ventilation systems. Sealing and insulating ductwork Sealed ducts and a balanced duct system can optimize airflow to all rooms. Insulating ductwork in attics and crawlspaces can also reduce energy use. Improving heating and cooling systems Properly installed ENERGY STAR qualified high-efficiency heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioning units can help you save on heating and cooling costs year-round, and also provide more consistent temperatures and humidity control. Upgrading lighting, appliances, and water-heating equipment* Energy used in these areas can account for nearly half your utility bill. Installing ENERGY STAR qualified products recommended by your participating contractor can help you reduce the energy used and lower your utility costs. Water heaters are the second highest source of energy usage in the home. An ENERGY STAR certified hybrid water heater, also known as a heat pump water heater, uses half the energy of a standard model and can save a family of four up to $3,750 over its lifetime. Replacing windows ENERGY STAR qualified window models that are specific to your local climate will help insulate your home from outdoor temperature changes, eliminate drafts and lower your energy costs. Installing smart thermostats An ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled, programmable thermostat that learns your patterns and automatically adjusts your home’s temperature to improve comfort and HVAC system performance. Smart thermostats offer convenience—you can set and change heating and cooling schedules from your smartphone or tablet, no matter where you are. Plus, some models can detect when you are away from home and when you are expected to return, so your home feels just right when you arrive. Many models provide monthly energy usage reports to help you compare your home’s performance over time. Upgrade now to tap into long-term energy savings. Get a $100 rebate on qualifying models when you get a smart thermostat installed by your Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor.** To get started, find a participating contractor. *You may be eligible for a $300 tax credit for your hybrid water heater. For more information, consult your tax advisor or visit energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits. **The $100 smart thermostat rebate is included within the $7,500 maximum rebate amount. Rebate valid for up to two ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats per account.