Improving

[MattGreen]

I know a couple of ways to help is by improving your furnace and your water heater. Do you know of any other ways ?

[Jay G.]

Here are a few ways that come to mind:

-make sure your insulation is of good quality and make sure the attic is insulated.

-upgrading windows to more energy efficient ones.

-replace old appliances

-switch to CFL light bulbs

[caperol]

.. and then once that's done you can consider solar panels, wind power etc. (not worth it until you have at least covered the above points off though.)

[Jay G.]

If you turn your water heater off doesn't it take time to get the water hot when you need it?  Also, my water heater like most folks I know is in the basement and far away from most taps....