Want to save about $300 a year in heating and cooling costs in just one easy step? Install a chimney draft stopper on your fireplace. If you never use your fireplace, invest in an inexpensive and easy-to-install chimney cap. It covers the chimney and prevents cool air (in the summer) and warm air (in the winter) from escaping. And if you do want to light some logs on a chilly night, the chimney cap is a cinch to remove. Over time, you'll save hundreds of dollars from doing this very easy install. A bonus feature: Critters like squirrels and bats won't be able to call your chimney home.

One of the biggest home energy hogs is the large oven, which uses a tremendous amount of energy to heat up and stay hot. If you do a lot of roasting and baking, consider investing in a tabletop appliance called a halogen oven. It uses about 75 percent less energy than a conventional oven and still delivers the same baking, cooking and roasting results. Plus, it cooks faster: On average, a whole chicken can be roasted in less than 30 minutes.

If you give money to nonprofit organizations or charities, why not see if your financial donation can be doubled in just a few easy steps? Many corporations have little-known matching programs that match the money you give to charity. All you have to do is ask your human resources department if it has such a program. It usually works like this: The corporation has a list of preapproved charities where it will match employee donations. All you have to do is fill out some paperwork, and like magic, your donation is doubled.