[vendigirl]

I put some window film on my very leaky windows this year. Our weather hasn't been too cold (relative to how cold it usually gets), but I don't feel much difference in temperature between the windows that are insulated and those that aren't. I read that window film can prevent from 15- 30% of the air leaks. I guess our insulation efficacy falls in the lower end of that. So, you may want to seriously consider putting up the cost of the insulation kits for what may be very little or no return.
As for dishwashers- I have a Maytag but I believe the difference in drying settings is either air dry or heated dry. You would definitely not want to use the heated dry option if you're looking to save on power. I think it was Jeff who mentioned trying to wash on the lightest cycle (china or similar) and shutting the machine off altogether after the wash and let the dishes air dry on their own. I often shut the machine off and then open the door letting the heat and most of the steam escape and then close the door. You may not want that extra humidity, but it's great for our house. I don't really know how much difference, if any these measures make, but it's worth a try.