An electric space heater can be an efficient way to heat a room because it heats only where you want, not the entire house. When shopping for a space heater, the Department of Energy recommends you buy one that has the Underwriters Laboratory (or UL) label on it, which means it has passed certain safety tests. Choose one that has a thermostat on it; this allows you to choose the right heat settings for your home so you're not overheating a room. Be sure to keep space heaters away from automatic thermostats in your home -- it could trick the thermostat into thinking your whole home is warmer than it is. Finally, get the right size: Measure the room and use the space chart on the box to find the right size at the store.

Want to see how drafty your home is, or want a foolproof way to detect air leaks in your home? Start by turning off all combustion appliances in your home, like gas-burning furnaces or water heaters. Do this on a cool, very windy day. Shut all the windows, doors and fireplace flues. Make sure all fans, clothes dryers and vents are totally off, too. Try to make your home as airtight as possible. Now light a stick of incense. Follow the smoke, and see where it naturally wafts. If you find an area you suspect has a leak, use a wet hand to locate it; the water will feel very cool and should lead you right to the energy-hogging leak.

When it's time to replace your worn-out bath towels, don't throw them in the trash. Instead, give them one last wash and dry at home, then take them to your local animal shelter. Animal shelters are always in dire need of towels because they can be used for a whole host of purposes -- from drying animals and cleaning to playing games and lining beds. Because the towels are soft and absorbent, they'll already be broken in enough to keep the animals warm.