Heating, lighting, and ventilation are necessary to keep pigs at optimal performance, but there are strategies to reduce costs without impacting performance. For energy, a longer term contract may be beneficial, as energy prices have risen and are expected to continue up. Heat and ventilation need to be balanced, especially in the colder seasons. Heat loss from ventilation increases with pig size, but reducing ventilation will affect air quality. In rooms with multiple fans it is a good idea to have one capable of reaching winter minimum and one for summer maximum. In smaller rooms, an oversized fan can be used by setting it on a timer. Heaters, unfortunately, are usually oversized to be capable of heating during the lowest temperature, a second heater or split burner can reduce this, but requires capital cost. Convective heaters systems can use direct-fired forced air or hot water heating systems, and radiant heating systems can be gas tube heaters, open flame brooders, or in-floor radiant. Costs and advantages/disadvantages vary for each system. Wiring, amperage, voltage, CFM/W, size, wind breaks, and chimneys can all increase ventilation efficiency. Currently the most durable and efficient light bulb is the T-8 fluorescent tube, or high intensity discharge fixtures can be used with higher ceilings. Simply taking time to understand the controls for heating and ventilation can help reduce energy usage as well. Heat exchangers can help recover heat lost through ventilation, but require maintenance and can cause drafts. Alternative fuels and renewable energy show promise, but have problems that need to be worked out before use in a commercial barn.