There are plenty of steps you can take to reduce your energy bills, from turning off the lights when you leave a room to upgrading your insulation. If you're interested in a more extensive upgrade of your home's efficiency, an energy audit will identify the areas that are most in need of a fix.

These audits should be done by a professional, but you can get a general idea of your home's efficiency with a do-it-yourself examination. The Department of Energy says you can feel around the areas where air leaks are most likely, including the connection between the walls and ceiling and any areas where a cut has been made in the wall. You can also check to see whether your insulation, lighting, and appliances are old and in need of an upgrade.

Compile some basic information on your home's energy use. This data will include your most recent energy bills, the standard setting for your thermostat, whether all rooms in the house are used, and whether there are any rooms in the house that are particularly uncomfortable.

Energize Connecticut offers energy audits through a program known as Home Energy Solutions. This organization says the audit will locate where the home is losing energy, determine how efficient the heating and cooling systems are, identify ways you can save money on energy, and even install a few energy-saving items.

Costs for this program vary. Income-eligible residents can receive weatherization services and possibly other upgrades at no cost. The cost of other audits depends on how much the contractor will charge for the services.

One of the most common aspects of a home energy audit is the blower door test. This test sets up a temporary cover over an exterior door and uses a fan to depressurize the house. The test is done before and after work to seal the home, and the pressure gauge readings will show how effective these fixes are.

The blower door test will identify the total size of the leaks in the building envelope. The Department of Energy says the leaks in the average home add up to two square feet. It might not seem like much, but it's the equivalent of leaving a window open all day in every season.

Infrared or thermographic inspections will also give a good sense of where the home is most inefficient. HGTV Remodels says an infrared test will determine where heat is leaking out of the house, or into the house in warmer seasons. Thermographic scans check the temperature in different parts of the house and are often done in conjunction with the blower door test to see where air leaks are.

Other tests will check out a variety of home systems to see how efficient they are. These include examinations of the ductwork, electrical outlets, insulation, furnace, and water heater.

The Home Energy Solutions program may immediately install some energy-saving devices such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, faucet aerators, and low-flow showerheads. A homeowner may also find that they will qualify for rebates if they decide to pursue other energy upgrades.

Once the audit is completed, the person who completed the test will sit down with the homeowner to go over the results. Energize Connecticut says the most commonly recommended upgrades include improvements to the insulation, ductwork, lighting, and heating and cooling systems.