Not only will you save on your monthly utility bills by implementing one or several of these projects, but you may well also improve your home’s eventual resale value. According to an annual survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, in 2009, nearly 90 percent of buyers considered heating and cooling bills important, and more than 70 percent wanted high-efficiency appliances.

In addition, many of these steps are eligible for a tax credit through the end of 2010, so take advantage of this bonus now. Read more about the tax credits.

According to U.S. News and World Report, here are 10 projects you can undertake to help your home’s energy efficiency:

1. Get an energy audit. Contact your electric cooperative for details on what is offered, or hire a licensed company to conduct a full-blown blower door test and generate an audit report, complete with recommendations for the upgrades that will save you the most money.
2. Plug up leaks in your home. This involves caulking and weatherstipping; you may be able to do this work yourself. 
3. Insulate your attic. If your home is pre-1980 and you’ve never added insulation, now is the time. Even if you added insulation a few years ago or own a newer home, it may be time to check again; insulation does settle and you may need to fill in some gaps.
4. Seal ducts. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about one-fifth of all air leaks out of ducts. Sealing and insulating can both help prevent air loss.
5. Add a programmable thermostat. Spend $30 or less and save 10% in heating and cooling costs. This means you can recoup your expenditure in merely months.
6. Upgrade your windows. Look for those that qualify for the tax credit; the installation costs are not included in the credit, however.
7. Update your doors. Again, some types qualify for the tax credit. You’ll want a solid, not a hollow door, and look for insulated steel, wood or fiberglass. If there is any glass in the door, check for the same energy efficiency qualities that energy efficient windows have.
8. Rather than replace your windows, add storms to your existing windows. This only makes sense if your old windows are in good shape, however. If you have rotting or leaking, you’ll probably need to replace the entire window.
9. Upgrade your heating and cooling system (HVAC). Before making this upgrade, you’ll want to be sure your house is well-sealed and insulated. Some types of HVAC are eligible for tax credits and some types (geothermal) include a tax credit through 2016.
10. Update your water heater to a high-efficiency unit. Water heating consumes between 15 and 25% of the energy use in an average home, so again, you can recoup your investment within about 3 to 5 years.