and the insulation can be applied to the foundation walls instead of underneath the floor. That said, there are pros and cons to this strategy, so do some research online or consult with a local expert. Here are a few additional ways you can save energy in your basement: * Insulate the hot water pipe exiting your water heater; * Install LED light bulbs; * Replace appliances that are located in the basement with newer, energy-efficient models. As you can see, there are several steps you can take to make your basement or crawl space more efficient. If you're unsure about any of these steps, check with your electric cooperative for guidance. ■ This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on making your basement more energy efficient, please visit collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips. co-opliving.com October 2020 | Cooperative Living | 29http://www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips http://www.co-opliving.com