A new analysis puts Utah seventh in the nation overall for its energy efficiency, coming in at fifth place in the country for home energy efficiency and ninth for vehicle fuel efficiency.

High-efficiency air conditioning and heating are key.

“In other words, get a high-efficiency HVAC system for the home if you currently have a system that is old or inefficient (ideally one that needs to be replaced soon anyway). Make sure to get a programmable thermostat. This will reduce wasted heating/cooling when you are not at home. Simpler items: install more insulation and seal leaks. This will reduce heating and cooling costs and can cut energy loss by 25-40%,” noted Betty Simkins, a professor at Oklahoma State University and Russell Simkins, a retired energy consultant.

“This can have a return

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