This one’s a no-brainer: Replacing the thermostat in your home with a programmable model is simple to do, and even the most advanced models can pay for themselves in lowered heating bills pretty quickly. The swap usually takes only a few minutes – connect a couple of wires, drill a few holes and you’re done.

Once it’s up and running, a programmable thermostat can be set to automatically lower your home’s temperature during times of the day when you’re away, burning a fire in your EPA Approved wood-burning stove or when you’re fast asleep under a pile of cozy pillows and blankets.

For more information, check out: Energy Star's Thermostat info page.