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MARQUETTE -- Saving energy is a twofold win for homeowners.  It means helping the environment and saving some cash.

However, figuring out where your home is seeping energy may take an expert eye to determine.

Northern Options is one of eight non-profit energy demonstration centers in Michigan and the only one in the Upper Peninsula.

The group makes home and business inspections, as well as holds free energy efficiency seminars.  They say there are several areas of a home that need to be looked at.

While most homeowners automatically think about doors and windows, the real energy loss may be in hidden areas.  That's where using some high tech equipment can make a big difference.

Knowing your home energy rating exactly pinpoints weak spots.  A technical test is admittedly on the expensive side, between $400 and $450, but many homeowners who use it and correct the trouble spots can see a savings of 30 to 50 percent on their heating bills.

A less expensive walk-through is also available from Northern Options, where an energy expert makes a visual survey of your home to create a checklist for action.