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Next time there's a snowfall, go out and check your home's roof. If it is clear of snow, you are probably wasting money heating the neighborhood instead of your home. Then check around your house for hot and cold spots and noticeable drafts.

"These are all signs that you're losing a lot of the heat that you're paying for. Those dollars are just going out the window," says John Schott of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Homeowners who want to save money can take advantage of a new program from NYSERDA that starts at the end of this month. About 97 percent of the state's homeowners will be able to line up a free or low-cost energy assessment or audit. Licensed technicians will come to the home and check insulation, venting and air pressure.

They then arrive at a new energy strategy which may include more insulation or a new furnace.

"It's called 'on-bill financing,' by which you can finance your energy efficiency investments and repay that debt through your utility bill," says Schott.

The increased efficiency then helps reduce the homeowner's utility bill.

"Let's say if you're expecting to save $100 a month through your energy efficiency improvements, the charge that will go on your utility bill is designed to be no more than that, and ideally a few dollars less," says Schott. "So every month, you're saving money and your utility bill is going down."

New Yorkers who own a one- to four-unit home can probably qualify. For more information, visit www.nyserda.ny.gov.