District residents can prepare their homes for winter with a free energy audit from the District Department of the Environment (DDOE). The audits recommend easy, inexpensive ways to improve energy efficiency. For example, reducing air leaks can save up to 30 percent of the energy consumed in a home. ''DDOE energy audits will help residents stop wasting energy, so they can save money and reduce global warming too," said DDOE Director George S. Hawkins. Inspectors measure energy characteristics, such as insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-wall ratios, heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and water heating systems. DDOE also offers information on tax credits and financing for energy-efficient home improvements. For more information, or to schedule an energy audit, call DDOE's Energy Office at (202) 673-6700 or visit our website: ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,492915.asp
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