Along with the economy, global warming is definitely today's hot topic all across the nation. It's hard to believe that any one of us can possibly make a difference in reducing energy usage and helping to clean up our planet. However, when everyone tries to do his part, there is power and influence in the collective. A concern for the environment is not the only reason for making our homes more energy-efficient: updating our houses will also save a lot of money over the long term. Here are sure-fire ways to make your home more energy-efficient.

Replacement Windows

Even if you never open your windows, they may be causing money to fly out of your home. Why? Old windows may keep out the rain, but they do very little to keep the heat from the sun out or the heat from your furnace in. Energy-efficient replacement windows are double-paned and contain a layer of argon gas that serves as an insulator. Once installed, replacement windows can save homeowners as much as 47 percent on their utility bills: meaning, the windows usually pay for themselves within a few years.

New Doors

Cracks on the sides and under your exterior doors let the outside air come in and the inside air go out. No amount of weather stripping can fight against the effects of drafty doors. Custom-fit, well-designed new doors will work right alongside your replacement windows to help significantly reduce your monthly energy usage: and this saves real money.

Insulate More

Many older homes were only outfitted with the barest minimum in terms of insulation. Adding an extra layer of insulation to your attic will keep the cold air from your roof area where it belongs. Many homeowners also choose to add insulation to their wall and even around their foundations if they want to use their basements as a living space.

Buy a Programmable Thermostat

Adjusting your home's temperature manually is not practical and it is not an energy-efficient practice. When you use a programmable thermostat instead, you can set your furnace or cooler to separate temps for when the family is home and when it is away during the day. You can also program temperatures separately for the weekends. Programming reduces unnecessary energy consumption and therefore saves money too.

As a homeowner, you have more of an influence on your carbon footprint than you think. Implementing these energy-efficiency improvements will help the environment and keep more of your money in the bank too.

Ameritech Construction Corporation (http://www.superwindows.com/) has operated in Virginia over 25 years replacing thousands of windows and doors one at a time in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Art Gib is a freelance writer.