While certainly a worthwhile undertaking for any home owners who wants to trim his utility bills, the typical, commercially-offered home energy audit is a lengthy and expensive proposition. But now there's a free and simple way to accomplish pretty much the same task.

Offered by the American Homeowners Foundation, the self-help test helps owners identify practical -- and often easy and inexpensive steps -- they can take to reduce their energy consumption.

The self-administered audit comes not a moment too soon. According to the Department of Energy, home heating costs can be expected to skyrocket this winter. For example, DoE said that homes heated with natural gas could see their fuel costs explode by as much as 48 percent. And the cost of home heating oil could surge by up to 32 percent. On top of that, a colder winter than usual also is predicted.

The test guides owners through their homes, room by room, so they can address 25 items and grade key features that impact energy usage. Features such as air registers, insulation, thermostat, fireplace, appliances and even light bulbs are scored.

The self audit identifies where energy is being lost, and can be saved, by specific enhancements. "Simple, efficient changes can lead to quick paybacks for homeowners," says AHF President Bruce Hahn.

"And in addition to reduced home heating bills, these changes can increase a home's comfort level and provide an overall more energy-efficient dwelling."

The only tools needed to take the test are a pencil, paper, flashlight, ruler and a screwdriver.

The 10-minute test covers 25 questions, and gives -- or subtracts -- points for each answer. After tabulating the total, your house will range in scale for a triple A model of efficiency to an energy clunker that needs professional help.

To give you an idea of just how simple the do-it-yourself audit is, here's what the exam asks about your home's heating system:

• If yours is a brand new, super high efficiency/energy star system, add 10 points.

• If your system is less than three years old and high efficiency, add 7 points.

• If your system is three to five years old and high efficiency, add 5 points.

• If your system is five to 10 years old and in good shape, add 3 points.

• If your system is an oldie but a good, 10-plus years old, add 1 point.

• If your system is over 20 years old and in poor shape, subtract 3 points.

• If you have had your system checked out by a qualified HVAC professional within the last year, add 2 points.

• If you have solar heating, add 5 points.

• If you have changed your filter six times in the last year, add 2 points.

• If you have changed your filter two to four times in the past year, add 1 point.

• If you have not changed your filter within the last 12 months, subtract 5 points.

To receive the free audit, e-mail the foundation at ahf@americanhomeowners.org, or send a stamped, self-addressed envelop to AHF, 6776 Little Falls Road, Arlington, Va. 22313.

Published: November 23, 2005

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When Lew Sichelman first started writing about housing in 1969, he was the youngest real estate writer in the country. Now, 37 years later, he's one of the oldest -- and most decorated. He has been rated the top housing columnist in the country by the National Association of Realtors as well as by his peers in the National Association of Real Estate Editors. Indeed, NAREE has recognized his work on numerous occasions. One year - due to his advancing age, he can't recall which one - he earned top honors in the annual NAREE Journalism Contest in three out of the four major writing categories. It was the first time one writer has won so many NAREE awards in a single year. Known for his ability to make even the most difficult topics understandable, Sichelman also has been honored by the National Association of Home Builders and the Mortgage Bankers Association. He began providing in-depth coverage of and consumer-oriented information about housing and housing finance at the Washington Daily News, where he was real estate editor. He held that same position for nine more years at the Washington Star, which purchased the News in 1972. The Star, a so-called "writer's newspaper" which also had the misfortune of being an evening paper, was put out of its misery in 1981, and Sichelman, who had begun self-syndicating his column in 1978, decided to become a full-time columnist. Today, his column, "The Housing Scene," is distributed by United Media to newspapers throughout the country. He also is on the staff of National Mortgage News, an independent newspaper which is considered the bible of the mortgage business. And he writes for numerous other publications, including MarketWatch.com, where he answers readers questions once a week, Sports Illustrated (don't ask), RealtyTimes.com, BigBuilder and others. Sichelman is married, the father of five and grandfather of eleven.