In addition to sealing air leaks, properly ventilating, and adequately insulating, the next time your roof is replaced you should consider installing water and ice dam protection along the eave as opposed to standard underlayment. Waterproof membranes are required for new construction by the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) for asphalt shingle roof systems installed on homes that have a history of ice damming. Water and ice dam protection, or what is known by roofers as self-adhering, modified bitumen membrane, should be installed along the eave, atop the sheathing, extending at least 24” up the roof surface past the exterior wall line of the structure. It should also be installed inside valleys, along rake edges, and around flashed penetrations. Self-adhering, modified bitumen membrane is virtually impermeable, meaning water cannot pass through as a vapor or a liquid. It is important that any interior exhaust systems direct humid air to the exterior side of the roof and that all passive functions within an attic (ventilation and insulation) be proper and adequate. Should they be inadequate, or should air leakage occur, condensation could develop on the underside of the sheathing where water and ice dam protection is installed, and a different series of moisture problems would persist.

You can reduce your home's heating and cooling costs through proper insulation and air sealing techniques. These techniques will also make your home more comfortable.

The air tightness of a building can be determined by using several methods. The PFT (PerFluorocarbon tracer gas) technique and blower door test both provide information about air leakage and energy loss.

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Energy auditors may use thermography — or infrared scanning — to detect thermal defects and air leakage in building envelopes.

Professional energy auditors use blower door tests to help determine a home's air tightness.

Professional energy audits generally go into great detail. The energy auditor should do a room-by-room examination of the residence, as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills.

You can easily conduct a home energy audit yourself. With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. When auditing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades.

A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time. During the audit, you can pinpoint where your house is losing energy. Audits also determine the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling systems. An audit may also show you ways to conserve hot water and electricity. You can perform a simple energy audit yourself, or have a professional energy auditor carry out a more thorough audit.

For energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. This includes the following areas: