Heat your home for cheap this winter

Wanna save $1500 on your energy bills? Many savings can be accumulated from simple upgrades and some with no cost. We've compiled the ways you can save this winter from Consumer Reports:

Upgrade insulation
Insulation is important in order to keep the cost of heating your home down. Bob Markovich, home and yard editor of Consumer Reports writes, "According to our recent nationally representative survey, of more than 2,000 Americans, only 12 percent added or upgraded their home's insulation in the past three years and just five percent had insulated their heating and cooling duct work -- quick fixes that save you money for years to come."

So what should you do? Fix your insulation! If it's not time for new insulation, seal the cracks and duct work. This is a simple task that can save you big. Spend $500 once, and save $400 a year.

Buy a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat can save you 20 percent off your heating costs. This thermostat lowers the heat by five to 10 degrees during the day when no one is home.

Fix the drips in your faucet

A leaky faucet is guaranteed to cost you more money than you thought on your water bill. A Consumer Reports article states "Almost four in five states anticipate water shortages by 2013, which could lead to steeper rates and penalties for excessive water use." Stopping the leak is the easiest way to save $70 per household a year.

Buy energy-saving bulbs

Purchase a compact fluorescent bulb to save money on your electricity. Consumer Reports recommends a variety of CFLs that range in price from $6 for a four-pack to $13 for a two-pack. Each life of a CFL bulb will save you $56. Again, a CFL bulb is worth the investment.

Savings 101 : Tips on cutting energy costs

Fall is approaching and energy costs are high. Here are some ways to save on energy and gas.

According to The U.S. Department of Energy, Americans are estimated to spend $2,350 on home energy costs this year. This is $2,100 higher than last year. There are some easy ways to cut costs down and most are pretty cheap, requiring little time.

In order to keep out cold and heat, seal the windows of your home. If you can't afford storm windows, plastic film kits do a good job as well.

Install a programmable thermostat that allows you to turn up the heat or air conditioning right before you arrive home. This will save you money during the day. According to the Department of Environmental Protection, the device saves roughly $180 a year in energy costs. It costs $100 for the thermostat itself.

Be efficient! Buy energy-efficient light bulbs, clean and change furnace air filters, and wrap your water heater. You will save money on lighting because they use two thirds less energy and last ten times longer that regular light bulbs. Your appliances will run more cheaply.

If you lower your water heater to 130 degrees, you can still kill germs with the heat. Do your laundry in cold water. Your clothes will last longer and you will save money in your water bill.

Find more energy savers at Bankrate.com