You don't have to spend a fortune to save energy for the upcoming winter. Just a few dollars and a little time spent can yield big savings.

The biggest loss of energy occurs through doors and windows, and this is where you should concentrate your efforts. First, make sure your storm windows are lowered. It sounds silly, but many people who have storm windows simply forget to lower them during the winter months. If you don't have storm windows, consider putting clear plastic on the outside of your windows. The plastic should be at least 2 mils thick to resist tearing. Clear, shrinkable plastic is also available for the inside of your windows, if they are particularly drafty. Next, check the caulking around the windows. If the caulking is brittle and cracking, remove it with a putty knife and replace with new caulking. A tube of caulking can cost as little as a dollar and can do one to two windows. Finally, install or replace weather stripping around your doors. Felt or foam stripping is available for the frame of the door. Don't forget a weather strip edge for the bottom of the door to prevent drafts from entering there.

Credit Unions Online (and your credit union) not only wants you to stay warm this winter but conserve energy and save money as well.