Global warming has become a popular topic of discussion and, for many, a critical matter that is determining the future of the earth and those living here. Many factors are responsible for the creation of global warming, both natural and man-made, with the main culprit generally believed to be an excess of greenhouse gases being released into the environment. Chief among these gases is carbon dioxide, or CO2.

The largest contributor of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels, including petroleum, coal and natural gas. While much is being done to increase the efficiency of automobiles and to curtail the noxious output of industrial processes, each and every person has the means to personally lower the production of carbon dioxide by decreasing the size of their ‘carbon footprint’ by making their home more efficient and environmentally friendly.

There are a variety of ways a person can effectively reduce energy consumption in his home. While it may initially require some time and monetary investment to do these things, the good news is that almost every action taken will end up saving the homeowner money in the long run. As a bonus, many of these energy-wasting fixes will also make the home a more comfortable space in which to live.

Here’s a partial list of things that can be easily accomplished in an effort to make one’s home more energy efficient:

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with florescent alternatives
• Install skylights
• Turn off the TV and other appliances when not in use
• Replace oil or gas-fired furnaces and air-conditioning systems with a high-efficiency heat-pump or geo-thermal system
• Insulate doors, windows and other sources of heat loss

There are many other energy-saving tactics homeowners can pursue. The Internet is a great resource for uncovering these.