For added efficiency and safety,
have the chimney swept yearly.

More Tips

Once you understand different ratings and types of insulation, you can insulate around pipes, heating and ventilation ducts and electrical outlets. Don't overlook the small openings where these fixtures pass through floors and walls -- the average home's gap space here loses as much energy as a two-foot square hole in an exterior wall.

How Much Insulation Do You Need?

Choosing Insulation

Plugging Hidden Air Leaks

Furnace filters should be changed every few months, while an annual chimney sweep will boost efficiency and reduce the risk of flue fires. Turning down the water-heater temperature settings to 140 degrees F for dishwasher-equipped homes (that's the minimum to kill germs) and 110 degrees in a home without a dishwasher can save energy and cut scalding risks. Some newer dishwashers boast internal heaters that let you keep your main heater at a lower setting.

Replacing Furnace Filters

Repairing Chimneys

Wood-burning fireplaces are actually net heat losers, but installing or retrofitting wood-burning inserts and stoves or going with high-efficiency natural gas fireplaces can give you added efficiency and redundancy in case your main heating system needs repair.

Bring on the Heat

Home Improvement Encyclopedia/Heating and Cooling

White cement or metal roofs are top choices among roofing materials, as they keep a home cooler in summer. Other ways to beat summer heat include whole-house fans and attic fans as well as time-tested helpers like awnings and shade trees.

Cool Roofing Material

Solutions for Summer Heat

Regular tune-ups, use of synthetic motor oils, and maintenance of proper tire pressure (cold weather contracts air) all save gasoline and make for a safer and more reliable vehicle. Gasoline-electric hybrid cars offer double the gas mileage of conventional vehicles, and tax incentives make buying them attractive.  Carpooling and shopping or banking online are just a few other interactive ways to save gasoline.