BLOOMINGTON - If a home is the biggest investment most people make, visitors on Saturday to Home Show 2008 were eager to learn new ways to improve their nest egg in these uncertain economic times.

The mood seemed to be in favor of maximizing what you already own in a market when home sales are soft nationwide, vendors noted. People were looking for ways to cut their utility bills and add new amenities, such as sunrooms.

"People are definitely investing in their homes and fixing up what they have," said Kevin Gattung, special promotions manager for Peoria Siding and Window.

He said attendance has doubled at the shows he has attended in Illinois so far this year.

The Bloomington-Normal Area Builders Association and The Pantagraph are sponsors of the three-day event at the Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market St. The show featuring more than 340 booths continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

A steady line of homeowners with questions about improvements to outdated heating and cooling systems kept representatives of Air King Heating and Air Conditioning busy Saturday morning.

"This is a bigger decision than buying a car. People are noticing that this is a 20-year decision and a major investment," Paul Dignan III, Air King service manager, said of a furnace purchase.

Keeping energy costs steady

The need to hold the line on home energy costs has led many people to educate themselves about heating and cooling systems, said Dignan. After conducting their own research, customers are willing to pay more for a system that could save $100 to $200 a month on energy bills, he added.

An economic slowdown in housing and other markets has not impacted the business of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, commonly referred to as HVAC, said Dignan.

"HVAC is recession-proof," he said.

Homeowners Michelle and Eric Reutter of Minonk were in Bloomington to check out geothermal heating and cooling systems at the Home Show. The couple had done their homework before talking to several vendors.

The geothermal system is more expensive to install than traditional systems, but it could save money in the long run, said Michelle Reutter.

"It might be the wisest move to make" for an energy upgrade, she said.

Many visitors to the Peoria Siding and Window booth wanted to talk about upgrades that could make their homes more attractive and comfortable, Gattung said.

The popularity of sunrooms among visitors made Gattung wonder if people are not trading expenses like a vacation for options that could make their time at home more enjoyable.

Hot tubs are another item people showed a strong interest in Saturday, said Sam Loizzo, manager with Bloomington's The Great Escape.

"Many people see it as an opportunity to improve their home. There's a variation in customers, though, between those who use hot tubs as entertainment and those with ailments like arthritis who use them as water therapy," said Loizzo.

Neighbors Kathy Foster and Anita Elmore of Bloomington were looking for ideas to spruce up their older homes. They said they have lived in their current homes about six years each, but now rather than trading up, they've decided to stay in their current homes longer.

"We're looking at doing something with our backyard because we spend so much time outside," said Elmore.

For Foster, a bathroom remodeling project was on the list.

"My husband's also looking for ways to keep the sumps pump going," said Foster.

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The show goes on

What: Bloomington-Normal Area Home Show 2008

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market St.

Cost: $5 for adults and free for children younger than 18