Did You Know   74 percent of Americans want to improve their home’s energy efficiency. U.S. consumers spent $295.4 Billion on Electricity in 2005. Air infiltration can account for 30% or more of a home’s heating and cooling costs and contribute to problems with moisture, noise, dust, and the entry of pollutants, insects, and rodents. Duct work in a house leaks approximately 30% of the systems conditioned air to the outside. EPA reports that the value of a home increases by an average of $20 for every $1 decrease in annual utility costs. Potential home buyers ask more questions about the cost of maintaining a home than anything else. 94% of new home buyers believed energy features were important in their buying decision. 78% of real estate appraisers report that energy efficient homes are worth 5% more. The Mortgage industry offers preferred financing for homes that are documented to meet the EPA’s energy star home standards. IRS offers tax credits for home energy improvements. Windows and doors can account for more than 20% of heating and cooling loss in a home. Each year in the U.S. nearly $13 Billion worth of energy escapes through holes nd cracks in homes according to the American Council for an energy efficient economy. That’s an average of $150.00 per household.