With current financing options that are available, the best return-on-investment is to go solar!  It may seem expensive to install a solar panel system, but with current financing options such as $0/down home-equity loans, you'll see immediate cash flow savings!

Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes.  This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.

Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.

Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA

Definitely replace your air filters every single month as this is a big contributor to a home's energy efficiency when it comes to HVAC

Check seals on doors & windows.  Replace single pane windows with newer products.  Check the attic for insulation.  Loose fill, blown in insulation is the best.  Make sure to seal any spots where air is escaping INTO the attic first.  Also make sure your attic has both adequate intake AND exhaust ventilation.  Make sure not to clog the airflow from the soffit area and the attic space by using Baffles as seen in the picture.  Check out YouTube for other great suggestions. 

Air sealing and insulation are the two biggest things you can do to globally improve the efficiency of the home. 

There are several articles on this application and I have yet to be in a home that didn't need it. 

Tightening up the envelope across the attic surface will lessen air infiltration at all the other areas of the home. 

Verify that all window and door seals/weatherstriping is in good shape.

Check to be sure doors and windows are caulked properly (no gaps, cracks or missing).

If you have an attic access, treat it like door opening and seal properly. If possible, create an insulated cover to go over it in the attic.

Check HVAC ductwork for leaks and seal with foil tape or mastic.

Wrap your hot water heater in a blanket.

John,

Are you referring to insulating the ceiling of the garage (i.e. cold floors above)?   Will you be dropping the ceiling or are you looking for options with minimal disturbance?

Hello John,

STEP 1.  This is a very common for homes with room(s) obove a garage.  Replacing the window (s) in the bedroom  may not solve your entire problem if the glass package you select does not include a high performance  heat reflectant type glass.   Which ever manufacturer you decide, its best to pay the additional cost and upgrade to thier best performance glass.  If you have already invested in new windows then check your paperwork to see if there is a greater performance glass option you can upgrade with for that type window .   This is a simple process and can greatly reduce your Solar Heat Gain for minimal investment.

STEP 2.  Select a certified insulation professional in your area to provide you with a "critical point air seal".  Properly applied by a certified professional at upper and lower rim joists in this room aproximatly  1' in width by 2" in thickness. Air sealing the upper and lower rim is a minimal investment  and provides  a significant and noticable change in comfort with a quick ROI.  Consider this service for the entire home.

Warm regards

Colorado Home Exterior

You can also look into programmable thermostats!

I would start with making sure your attic has adequate ventilation.