When it comes to big energy savings, sometimes it takes a bit of investment. Although some of these suggestions require an up-front layout of cash, the return on investment comes much quicker than continually leaking money from your home in the form of wasted energy.

• Attic Insulation: Upgrade to R-30 insulation. If you complete Progress Energy’s Home Energy Check, you will qualify for discounted parts and service to have this done. In addition, until December 2010, you would qualify for Federal Tax Credits as well.
• Windows: Replace older, single-paned windows with more energy-efficient ones. Both Progress Energy and the Federal Government offer incentives to get you closer to your goal of energy efficiency!
• Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Replace units older than 10 years with a more efficient heat pump unit. Incentives like the ones described above are available.
• Duct Repair: Have a qualified contractor inspect and repair leaky ductwork in your attic, as with attic insulation, incentives are available.
• Water Heater: Replace older ( >10 years) with a newer, more energy efficient system. Better yet, invest in a solar water heater. Incentives are available to help defer the cost of these systems.
• Refrigerator: Replace an older, inefficient refrigerator with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Do NOT, however, put the old one in the garage!
• Clothes Washer: Consider replacing an older model with a more energy and water-efficient one

Additional Resources
EnergyStar®  - http://www.energystar.gov/
UF-IFAS Energy Efficient Homes: Easy Steps to Improving Your Home's Energy Efficiency - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1028