Hands-on, practical solutions to save money by making smart energychangesOne of the best and most affordable strategies people can employ tocombat global warming is to improve the energy and water efficiencyof their homes. Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies provideshomeowners with advice, tips, and projects to reduce costs,increase energy efficiency, and cut down on waste and pollution.After performing a do-it-yourself home energy audit, readers createan action plan based on their personal goals. Readers are presentedwith a wide range of potential solutions, from making better use ofblinds and awnings to exploring geothermal options in order toreduce household costs and their impact on the planet.
Rik DeGunther (Rescue, CA) is the founder of Efficient Homes, anenergy consulting firm that focuses on home energy audits and thedesign of efficient heating and cooling systems.

Introduction.
Part I: Solving the World's Problems from Your FrontPorch.
Chapter 1: Defining Efficiency.
Chapter 2: Energy Sources and Sinks.
Chapter 3: Eliminating the Guesswork with Home EnergyAudits.
Chapter 4: Financing Efficiency Improvements.
Chapter 5: Making Tradeoffs That Work for You.
Part II: Reducing Inefficiencies throughout YourHome.
Chapter 6: Keeping Your Home Free from Contaminants.
Chapter 7: Sealing and Insulating Your Home.
Chapter 8: Getting the Most Out of Your Heating andAir-Conditioning System.
Chapter 9: Lighting Your Home More Efficiently.
Chapter 10: Watering Down Your Water Consumption.
Chapter 11: Pigging Out on Power with Appliances.
Chapter 12: Controlling Solar Exposures in Your Home.
Chapter 13: Breathing Homes: Ventilation, Fans, and AirFilters.
Chapter 14: Reusing and Recycling: Play It Again, Sam.
Part III: Putting Alternative Energy Sources to Work forYou.
Chapter 15: Burning Desires: Wood and Gas Stoves.
Chapter 16: Shining a Light on Solar Power for Your Home.
Chapter 17: Radiant Heating Systems.
Chapter 18: Heating with Biomass Stoves.
Chapter 19: Geothermal Energy: Straight from Mother Nature.
Part IV: Considering Efficiency When You Buy, Build, or Sella Home.
Chapter 20: Looking at Community Solutions to EnergyEfficiency.
Chapter 21: Building an Energy-Efficient Home from the GroundUp.
Chapter 22: Buying and Selling an Energy-Efficient Home.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 23: Ten Best Energy-Efficient Investments.
Chapter 24: Ten Ridiculously Easy Energy-Saving Tips.
Chapter 25: Ten Best Solar Investments.
Index.