Everyone wants to be more energy efficient. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also can save money. But being energy efficient isn't just about commuting to work or turning off the lights when you leave the room. There are many ways that you can save energy - and money - by making your home more energy efficient.

1. Check for leaks - your windows and doors can leak air into your home, causing your furnace to work overtime to overcome these cold spots. By utilizing thermal imaging, you can see where the cold and hot spots are to more effectively weatherize your home.

Ken Brunton, of Denver, was unaware of his energy leaks. So, Mr. Brunton called Thermal Advantage to check out his home.

"I knew my windows were bad, but had no clue until I saw the infrared pictures," he said. "What an eye-opener!"

Mr. Brunton was able to save over $100 on his monthly energy bill and received a 30-page report that showed the thermal imaging, energy leaks and even wiring hot spots in the walls.

2. Insulate your Attic - in addition to creepy cobwebs and discarded knick-knacks, the attic is the first place that cold air and weather can intrude into your home. Because you aren't up there often, it's also hard to detect when there is a draft in the attic. The cold air can seep through ceiling fixtures and outlets and the walls of your home. By insulating the attic, you can better weatherize your home and save energy.

3. Weather-strip your outlets and doors - From simple calking to weather-stripping; this method can help prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from getting into you home. "I could not believe how much energy I was losing through my front, back and garage doors," Mr. Brunton said after his energy audit from Thermal Advantage. "I can already feel the difference."

4. Replace your windows - homes that are older than a decade tend to have windows with thinner panes and less protection against the cold Colorado weather. In Mr. Brunton's case, he called about Solar Ban 60 windows. After his energy audit, thermal imaging and consultation that he received from the window experts, he said that he wished he'd acted sooner. "I was very impressed with the technology available versus what was in my house," he said. "If I would have known sooner, I wouldn't have ever kept my old windows as long as I did." Thermal Advantage guarantees savings of 40% or will write a check for the difference.

"I have seen a savings of over 40%," Brunton said. "I was very skeptical that I would save that much money, but I had it in writing so I figured I couldn't lose ... my average energy bill was over $300 and now they are under $200."

For more energy saving information, visit www.thermaladvantagewindows.com or call 303-487-6880.