- All homes experience wear and tear. Whether your home is five or 50 years old, chances are good that it can benefit from cost-effective measures to improve its energy efficiency. Wind, vibrations, sunlight and seasonal temperature changes can loosen up a tight home, increasing air leakage; windows may no longer close tightly, and ductwork can spring leaks, wasting huge amounts of heating or cooling energy. Furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters...