Boost insulation on new walls from R-19 to R-30. Create a 2x10 wall (2x6 exterior structure with 2x4 interior). Think of an inefficient house as wearing a flannel shirt, an efficient house with an added sweater, and a high performance house with the shirt, sweater, and a parka. In addition to energy savings, you get better sound protection since the double wall diffuses the sound waves.

Offset the interior studs to diffuse sound waves or run horizontal spacing boards between the walls. The deeper sill at windows is a great visual feature. Spray-in insulation gives you the best performance, because it fills all of the crevices. Select a 'Formaldehyde-Free' insulation to save on air quality and health. A carpenter can frame about 6 lineal ft of wall / hour with 16" on center studs, plus both top and bottom plates and fasteners.

The ROI Calculation is based on adding interior studs prior to the sheet rock, so you only pay once for finishing/painting. For a 30' long wall 8' high, this factors in an additional $500 labor, $250 insulation, and $150 studs, and savings of $10 a month. Plus get Tax Credits: 10% of cost not to exceed $500 total.

For a lower level or basement, that in this case is a walk-out, you can see the yellow side of the insulation that is set in the interior wall before the extra deep window casing and sill is cut into place.

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The deep sill and door frame bounce light into the room, frame views, and have the insulation benefits. The garden shed in the background, however, houses the tools of the trade which have little, if any, of the same benefits.