Work Those Drapes!

Here's an easy way to get some free heat. Wash your south-facing windows and open those drapes on sunny winter days. The heat from the sun will help warm your house and keep your heating system from working too hard.

When the sun goes down, close your window coverings to provide extra insulation. Insulating curtains, at a cost of about $100 per window, can help even more. On average, insulating curtains will pay for themselves in energy cost savings in about seven years.

Sources: Today's Homeowner; Various