These low-cost projects provide a good return for the time and money invested. The supplies can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store.

• If your water heater is warm to the touch, consider insulating it with a jacket or blanket made specifically to minimize its heat loss. It only takes a few minutes, just remember to leave the air intake vent uncovered. A short video tutorial is available.
• Caulk gaps around drafty doorframes and windows to keep the cold air outside. Caulk is inexpensive, doesn’t take much time to use, and most store associates can answer any “how to” questions. A more detailed window and door insulation project video tutorial is also available.
• Air seal and properly insulate your attic, walls, and floors over crawl spaces. This may take a little more time and expense than the previous two projects, but doing them may result in savings of up to 10% of your total energy costs. That’s savings every month for a minimal up-front investment.