Environmental concerns and skyrocketing oil prices have caused Americans to reevaluate their next steps forward. While the home seems like an impenetrable fortress, there are many spaces which create drafts, waste energy and allow expensive heat to escape. Homeowners have all different goals and budgets, but increasing home energy efficiency is a possibility for everyone. According to CNN Money Magazine, “A typical home energy audit and retrofit costs $5,000 to $8,000, which generally shaves 20%-40% off the monthly energy bills.” The Department of Energy says that there are also smaller, more affordable upgrades that can help improve the home’s energy profile. “Even the most basic upgrade puts money in our pockets, puts Americans back to work and puts energy waste on the run,” Lane Burt, manager of Building Energy Policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement. “It’s a triple play on a more efficient future.”