If you’re looking for a quick home improvement project to tackle this weekend, we recommend adding some energy saving materials to your home. These three projects won’t take much time, but they will help you save on your electric bill each month.

Caulk

All the small gaps, cracks and crevices around your home can add quite a bit to your monthly electric bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home has enough air leaks to add up to a 2-square-foot hole. That’s like sending your heating and cooling out an open window, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Fortunately, the fix is inexpensive and could save you 10 to 20 percent in energy costs. Plus, this simple project will take just a couple of hours to DIY this weekend. You can pick up a tube of caulk at your local hardware store for around $2. You’ll also need a caulking gun, which will run $5 to $10.

For more tips and tricks check out our blog post: How to Seal Air Leaks with Caulk.

Weatherstrip

Caulk is the quick fix for most air leaks around your home. However, it’s best suited for areas that are stationary. To seal leaks around objects that move, such as windows and doors, weatherstripping is recommended.

To determine how much weatherstripping you need for this weekend project, simply measure the perimeter of doors or windows that you plan to weatherstrip. Make sure to purchase about 10 percent extra, just in case.

When you visit your local hardware store, look for a weatherstripping option that will withstand the weather, temperature changes, friction and wear and tear that it may be exposed to. There are lots of options, including vinyl, felt and metal. Depending on the scope or your project, you may need to purchase more than one kind to effectively seal the air leaks in your home.

Insulate your hot water tank

If you have an older water heater, it may not have enough insulation. Check to see that it has insulation with an R-value of 24 or higher. Alternatively, you can determine if there’s enough insulation by touching the hot water heater. If it’s warm to the touch, there’s not enough insulation. If you find that you need more insulation, you can quickly DIY the project this weekend.

Having adequate insulation around your hot water tank could reduce heat loss by 25 to 45 percent so you spend less on water heating each month. A pre-cut jacket or blanket will run you about $20 at most hardware stores, and you’ll quickly recoup that cost in energy savings throughout the year.