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R-value is calculated by dividing the thickness of an insulation material by its thermal conductivity. The material's composition and density influence thermal conductivity. Materials with lower conductivity values provide better insulation. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating, helping homeowners select insulation that meets the energy needs of their climate and home layout.

If you have central air conditioning, it’s fine to run your AC all day if that’s what you want—as long as the AC unit is in good condition. But if your AC runs constantly when you don’t want it to, there may be a problem with your system (like the ones we’ve mentioned above). Window AC units and wall air conditioners aren’t as powerful as central AC, so you should only run those kinds of air conditioners for eight to 12 hours at a time.

String lights require electricity, but not an excessive amount, especially when compared to other lighting fixtures. LED rope lights, for instance, consume around one watt per foot. Running six or seven light strings simultaneously should only cost you around $10 to $15 each month. You can save even more money by remembering to turn off your lights during daylight hours. 

Insulation is measured by R-value, which is the measure of a material's ability to resist heat transfer. The higher the number, the better the insulation. When installing insulation yourself, you need to determine the optimal R-value you need to keep your home warm in the wintertime, cool in the heat of summer, and energy-efficient all year long. Each inch of insulation provides between a 3 and an 8 R-value. The climate where you live plays a major role in what R-value you need and the price tag you might see in your insulation installation.