MakeHeat

…the “insulate and seal your home” talk.  Yes, insulating and sealing air leaks is the best and least glamorous improvement you can do to your home.  You can also get a nice tax credit for doing it (or having it done by a Professional Remodeler):

Professional Remodelers Key To Earning Energy-Efficiency Tax Credits.

A couple of articles worth the quick read on older houses, and how to “e-cope” with them for some green savings.

Older houses can be ideal for the green-minded | detnews.com | The Detroit News.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/real_estate/20090426_Help_in_finding_energy_savings_around_house.html

Ohio, US. Good article about why you don’t need to live in sunny LA to take full advantage of the sun.

The Columbus Dispatch : Gray skies don’t deter OSU team building solar-powered house.

Photo Credit: kitseeborg (from Flickr cc licensed photos)

At the Good Earth Home Show, exhibitors have plenty of cost saving suggestions for homeowners. 
One Year Payoff: Clothes lines – recoup the cost in one year by hanging it out to dry;

Five Year Payoff: Replace bulbs and add insulation;

Ten Year Payoff: Windows.  [editor] They’re costly, the free home audit can bring you slick salesmen and goofy clowns that try to make you  sign the bottom line (our home as well as my brother-in-laws seemed to cover the gamut.  If you want a crash course in sales techniques, request some “home audits”).  Even so, this is a great long term return. Check Consumer Reports and shop a lot before you make this investment.  More to read at: Business: Home | “GREEN WITH ENERGY” | The Register-Guard.