The U.S. Department of Energy suggests an energy audit as a good first step to assess how much energy your home uses.  They also offer numerous incentives and tax credits for improving the energy efficiency of your home.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extended many energy efficiency and renewable energy tax incentives originally introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and amended in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343).

The following resources will help you as you consider your energy audit: 

The Energy Star website for a good overview of energy efficiency tax incentives 
 
The US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy provides nice overview of everything from federal tax credits to weatherization assistance
 
The EPA's Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick  to compare your energy use with others across the country
 
DSIRE provides a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency

American Lung Association's Health House Indoor Air Quality Assessment to find out how to make your home healthier
 
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Home Energy Saver to learn how to save energy in your home
 
Energy Star products for homes  for a list of Energy Star products
 
For Illinois homeowners for a current list of Illinois incentives and policies for renewables and energy
 
For a list of Federal incentives available for homeowners
 
Homeowner Tax Credit Form 5695 for a list of tax credits available
 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment act extended many of the tax credits available to consumers and businesses originally introduced in the Energy Policy act of 2005

Contact us at (708) 771-5531 or email us at info@EnergyAuditsofChicagoland.com