Replace windows - It could take 20 or 30 years to get back in energy savings what you spend on window replacements. Most people just don't stay in a home long enough to recoup the money they spent.
To reduce heat loss through windows, you'll get far more value from repairing broken ones and purchasing cheap, do-it-yourself window insulating kits at any hardware store or home center.
Use tax breaks to buy energy-efficient stuff.
If you upgrade your windows, doors or furnace, you can get a federal tax credit for using approved energy-efficient models. Adding insulation can qualify too.
Buy a programmable thermostat. If you take the time to program it correctly, it allows the temperature to drop when you're not home or sleeping, thereby saving energy and money.
Run your ceiling fans in winter. Set your ceiling fans to distribute warm air accumulated near the ceiling.
Use your fireplace as a heating supplement. Experts don't recommend this. Consumers might be surprised to learn that burning a fire in an open fireplace often sucks more heat from your home and shoots it up the chimney than it throws off in radiant heat
Cold, winter air will sneak in wherever it finds a crack. Shrink-wrap the windows, put a rolled up towel under the door, keep the chimney flue shut when there's no fire.
Insulate the water heater and the pipes in the basement. No need to heat up the furnace room, it's already like an oven in there!
If you have windows on different sides of the room, open 'em up for a cross breeze. If you're using a window A/C, close off the room with doors or curtains to keep the cold air in. Better yet, a ceiling fan over your bed is quiet, cool and uses less energy than A/C.
When you ride your bike instead of asking for a lift, you are providing the energy. Besides, it's fun!
If you're cold, put on a sweater instead of nudging up the thermostat.
When you're not home, keep the shades down on a hot sunny day and keep the heat outside where it belongs. Keep them down on a cold cloudy day as well. It's another layer of insulation.
Take quick showers. You can do your singing somewhere else. Heating all that hot water is a real energy drain.
Last one out turns off the lights! Who were you leaving them on for, the cat? He can see well enough in the dark!
The TV isn't a nightlight! When you go to sleep, say goodnight to your chatterbox friend!
Don't keep the fridge door open too long. Get it and get out! That little light bulb has to rest, you know!
