With rising costs sweeping the nation, homeowners everywhere are discovering ways to conserve energy and lead a more efficient lifestyle. These include everything from small changes in your day-to-day-routine to building an entire home the “green” way.

Of course, building an energy efficient home gives you the opportunity to create an energy efficient environment right from the start. And thankfully, “green” homes are not limited to style or size whether it’s French country house plans or even Spanish house plans that catch your eye. There are, however, three basic components to focus on to ensure your home will conserve the most energy no matter where you live. These are plenty of insulation, proper exposure to the sun and the use of energy efficient heating and cooling systems.

Insulation. Whatever the climate, insulation is the most important way to keep warm and cool air from entering or escaping. Areas needing insulation are the exterior walls, basements, floors, cantilevered areas, walls and ceilings between heated and unheated areas.

Types of insulation are compared according to their R-values, the resistance to heat flow. The greater the R-value the more the insulation stops heat or cool air from leaking out.

The most effective insulation materials are polyurethane and polystyrene, known as “foam” insulation. They have the highest R-values, but also are more expensive. Mineral wool, a generic term including fiberglass, glass wool and rock wool, is the most widely used insulation type because it is versatile and fairly inexpensive. Another type of insulation, made out of wood fiber, is called “loose fill.” It is poured from bags or blown with special equipment into cavities that are not easily reachable. Its low cost is offset by a higher risk of fire, rot and insect infestation.

Doors and Windows. Since most heat escapes from a home through the cavities in its exterior, created by doors and windows, insulating these areas is crucial. Use double or triple-pane windows throughout the house.

Multi-pane windows allow just as much heat to enter as do single-pane windows, but they sharply reduce its outward flow. Double-pane windows can cut heat loss by 50 percent over single-pane windows. Triple-pane windows can cut heat loss by 65 percent, although they can be very costly and too heavy for some window frames.

In addition, caulking should be applied along window and door frames, as well as around pipes, vents and other perforations of your home’s outer shell. Long-life silicone or latex caulking work best.

Heating and Cooling Systems. Outfitting your home with energy-efficient heating and cooling systems will keep your family comfortable on the coldest and the hottest days, while saving a large sum of money. Items to look for may carry the EnergyStar® logo. Some local electric and gas companies even offer rebates to homeowners with systems backed with this certification.

Solar Heat. Another attractive way to heat your home is with the simple, natural sun. Think about the site you’re going to build on and the home’s orientation in relationship to the sun. You should position your house so that most of the window glass faces south to take advantage of the sun’s heat. In addition, solar panels may be built in throughout your home to increase the use of this energy source.

There are many decisions that go into building a new home. But energy efficiency is one component that should be considered to create a more energy efficient lifestyle for your family. Investing a little more time and money now can dramatically increase the value of most any home from compact ranch style house plans to sprawling contemporary home plans.

Here are few tips to think about as you go about your daily life.

• When nights are shorter in the Summer, adjust your outdoor lighting timers to save money and extend bulb life.

• Shelter sun-exposed windows, and keep blinds and drapes closed on hot, sunny days to minimize heat penetration.

• Keep windows closed in the heat of the day. Open windows in the cool of night.

• Make full use of microwaves, toaster ovens and slow cookers versus the traditional oven.

• Only run the dishwasher on a full load and use the range hood to vent excess heat and humidity.

• Shade your air conditioner from direct sunlight.

• Line dry laundry to save money and get summertime-fresh smelling clothes.

• Only wash laundry on full loads and with cold water whenever possible.

• Close off any unused rooms.

• Turn off lights when not in use.

• When baking, keep the oven door tightly closed and use the oven light to check on progress.