As spring approaches, it's a good time to start thinking about weatherizing your house in preparation for next winter. And, in Thurston County, Washington, there's an initiative set up to help inform local residents about realistic ways to make their properties more energy efficient. 

According to regional news publication ThurstonTalk.com, the Home Efficiency Action Training (HEAT) workshop will be held this Thursday, March 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lacey Timberland Library. The purpose of this event is educate attendees about the kinds of options that are available to them and how green technology upgrades can help them save money on their monthly utility bills. 

Marty Hemmann, who went to a HEAT workshop in January, told the source that it was a good experience for him. He ultimately selected a company that had been present that night to make improvements to his house, like sealing up air leaks and installing a ductless heat pump.

"We like to do these workshops because it gives folks a chance to really think about how energy efficiency works in a home. We get people calling us to help lower their electricity bills and our response is: 'First make your home more efficient. Then call us,'" says Kirk Haffner of South Sound Solar. "Yes, solar is the ultimate renewable energy source. However, your home needs to operate a basic level of energy efficiency or you're not going to get the full benefit of an investment in solar."

If you're interested in making eco-friendly upgrades to your property, it may actually be more affordable than you think – and the long-term savings almost always make it worthwhile. To get started, contact a home inspection contractor to request an energy audit.