An area where we have some of our greatest energy loss is our windows. A simple solution is to create a double paned window by using a magnetic interior insulating window. This unit is just placed on the side of the window that is in your home. It helps create a dead air space, similar to a double pane window; however most double paned windows use a gas to help provide a higher insulating value.

Are your car windows tinted? How about your homes windows? Window film products for your home are more evolved than your car's window tint. We looked at a set-up with a regular window, half of which was covered by a window film. A heat lamp was focused on the window, and you could feel a real difference when you held your hand to the different sections of the window.

To protect your home during severe weather or from thieves, you may want to consider a rolling metal/plastic shutter. This product was invented in Germany many years ago, and it is starting to be found in homes here in the U.S. These units can save on utility bills when kept in the lowered position, but when completely closed they offer no light. You can crack them open for some light to come in through the spaces.

An alternative to window tinting is to replace the mesh in your screens with a UV resistant mesh. It cannot be any dark mesh, although they do help. When going to your home center look for a material that states it will reduce the sun's heat coming into your home.

A nice addition to your patio may be an Eclipse awning. These automated awnings will retract when you need them to, so you can have sun or shade by your window. This will help cool the home during our hot summers, but this is the least effective method when it comes to reducing your utility bills.