Before the cold weather hits this winter, take the time to make sure your home is energy efficient, and save your energy bill from going through the roof. Homeowners who make improvements with ENERGY STAR® products will get tax credits of up to $500 on their 2006 tax returns.

From do-it-yourself projects to those that require more work and professional installation, Brad Staggs, host of Talk2diy Home Improvement on DIY Network, has the following tips to save you money and energy this winter…

• DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® protects a home like a windbreaker, stopping the wind and rain from getting in, forming a protective skin around the house. It’s also breathable, allowing moisture inside the home to escape, and helping to prevent costly water damage.
  
  www.construction.tyvek.com
  
  
• JELD-WEN Windows & Doors come standard with Low-E glass, which helps rooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in the summer. Also, JELD-WEN® IWP® Aurora™ Custom Fiberglass Exterior doors, which perform exceptionally well in all climates and temperatures, are approved for ENERGY STAR and can earn you a tax credit up to $500.
  
  http://www.jeld-wen.com
  
  
• The Duck Brand Roll-On® Window Insulator Kit provides a quick and inexpensive way to keep warmth inside and delay the installation of new windows. It’s a patented product that saves time and frustration without the cutting and measuring of traditional insulating film kits.
  
  www.duckproducts.com
  
  
• Polyseamseal® All-Purpose adhesive caulk effectively seals out air and moisture.  For less than $4.00 a tube, you can save a lot of money and make your home more energy efficient.  The caulk provides a long-lasting, flexible seal that can expand and contract as the temperature changes, eliminating cracking, and keeping gaps sealed tight, In addition, it is paintable and mildew-resistant.
  
  www.polyseamseal.com
  
  
• Lutron dimmers save energy and actually increase the life of your light bulbs, saving you money. Dimmers offer numerous other benefits, like creating mood and atmosphere in any room of the home.
  
  www.lutron.com