Change your thermostat temperature.

Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower in the winter and 78 or higher in the summer. Each degree higher or lower can significantly impact your energy costs.

Install a programmable thermostat.

A thermostat that can automatically lower and raise the temperature throughout the day will help you save energy costs when you're not at home.

Have your equipment inspected.

Have heaters and air conditioners inspected and cleaned by a professional each year.

Change your furnace filters regularly.

If you have a forced-air furnace, check your filters every month and replace them when they're dirty.

Caulk cracks and gaps.

A crack just 1/16th of an inch around an average window lets as much air escape as a three-inch square hole in your wall.

Places to caulk

• Around Windows
• Around Outside Doors
• Baseboards
• Exhaust Fans
• Dryer Vents
• Places Pipes and Wires Come in the House
• Where Walls Meet the Foundation

Upgrade attic insulation and shingles.

Get insulation at a minimum of R-38 (12-14 inches). When you install a new roof, consider adding ENERGY STAR® certified shingles.

Use draft guards on your doors.

Put draft guards at the bottom of doors that go outside.

Replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR® models.

Energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines can reduce operating costs over the course of time.

Also consider a gas range with a pilotless ignition system that uses less gas, and a clothes dryer that shuts off automatically when your clothes are dry.