When you spend money on certain home improvements, your cost can be offset by your energy savings. If your energy bills are getting outrageously expensive, consider making these three improvements in your home.

1. Replacing Your Roof

Asphalt roof shingles lose their ability to protect your home over time. As the shingles age, rain and wind can enter your home through the roof. This is where energy loss can occur.

When you spend the money to replace an aging roof, you will likely notice that your home maintains temperature better than before. You'll probably also begin to see a dip in your energy bill. If only one or two shingles are missing from your roof, you may be able to get by with a repair job versus a whole roof replacement. Your roofing contractor will be able to guide you.

2. Replacing Your Windows

Your windows are another feature where energy loss can occur. Older windows don't have the insulation properties of newer models. They can also suffer cracks or other damage that allows air from outside to come in. In addition, as your house settles over time, gaps may begin to appear between the window framing and the wall.

If you have drafty windows, replacement windows should be in your plans sooner rather than later. Bad windows cost money every day in the form of energy loss. Installing replacement windows will help you to see better energy efficiency and savings. You can easily install replacement windows yourself, with a standard household toolbox. Be sure to bring in one of your old windows for size matching.

3. Installing Extra Insulation

Whether you live in a hot or cold climate for any part of the year, your home's climate control will work better with extra insulation. A visit to your attic will be enough to tell you if air is getting in or out through your roof rafters. Another place where you might want to add extra insulation is in your garage. An icy cold temperature in your garage can easily affect your home's interior temperature.

Installing extra insulation in your home will vastly improve your home's energy use. If you don't know how to install insulation, this is a job best left to the professionals. They will be able to tell you what type of insulation will be best. They will also be able to install it in a safe manner.

The next time you think you've decided against making a home improvement to save money, think again. These home improvements will save you money over time.