By Mary Ellen Slayter The Washington Post Chicago Tribune

December 27, 2007
Annual Savings: $20

Cost: $1,302

Payback: 67 years

Basement windows

Recommendation: Insulate

Annual Savings: $14

Cost: $65

Payback: 5 years

Uninsulated pipes

Recommendation: Insulate

Annual Savings: $75

Cost: $60

Payback: Less than one year

Programmable thermostat

Recommendation: Install

Annual Savings: $282

Cost: $219

Payback: Less than one year

Water heater

Recommendation: Replace

Annual Savings: $126

Cost: $703

Payback: 6 years

Note: Payback time equals cost divided by annual savings Source: Alliance to Save Energy