Many hot water heaters are pre set much higher than needed, at about 140 degrees. On average, you don't need higher than 100 degrees or 110 degrees.

This is about looking like they're doing something. I'm sure polls will show that the administration is doing something on energy, but the real record doesn't bear that out.

Last month, the Energy Department almost doubled its long-term oil price forecast. That means gasoline prices will continue their upward trend. At the same time, the signs of global warming are clearer than ever. Simply by choosing the most efficient vehicle in each class, we could cut our average gasoline bill by $510 a year, while cutting carbon emissions more than 30 percent. So whether it's for your pocketbook or for the planet, there has never been a better time to buy a green vehicle.

The research is allocated in a way that is very high risk, on projects that are often very long term.

The budget slashes the energy efficiency programs that are the first step toward the president's goal of curing America's oil addiction.

One rule of thumb is for every degree you set back the thermostat, you save 3 percent on your heating bill. That's assuming it's 24 hours per day. If for eight hours of sleep and eight hours of work you set back the thermostat 3 degrees, that's a savings of 6 percent.