Reducing energy use results in lower energy bills. And it doesn't require a major investment of money - or time. Try the low-cost or no-cost energy-saving tips below and begin saving money today.

For more energy-saving information, check with your local energy supplier.

Heating and Cooling

• Unless a health situation doesn't permit it, keep your heating thermostat comfortably low (65° F to 68° F) when you're at home during the day. Turn down your thermostat (55° F to 58° F) when you leave the house for more than a few hours and when you go to bed at night.

• In the summer, set your thermostat at 78° F or higher.

• Check air filters regularly and replace or clean them when dirty. Replacing a dirty air filter can save money by reducing the amount of time your furnace or air conditioner stays on.

• Make sure furniture is not blocking heating and cooling vents.

• Close doors and vents in rooms that you're not using.

• If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.

• Remove window air conditioning units in the winter. If you can't, cover the unit with plastic to stop drafts.

• Use kitchen and bathroom fans only as long as necessary. In addition to moisture and odors, they draw out heated or cooled air.

Curtains

• On sunny winter days, open the curtains to let the warmth of the sunshine in.

• At night, pull the curtains to stop heat being lost through the windows.

• In the summer, close the curtains on sun-exposed windows.

• Make sure curtains don't block heating and cooling vents or that they're not too close to space heaters.

Water

• Turn the water heater thermostat to no more than 120° F.

• If possible, take a short shower instead of a tub bath. You'll use less water.

• Repair a dripping faucet. In just one day, you could waste enough hot water to fill a bathtub.

Lights

• Turn off lights when you leave a room for long periods.

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. They last longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs, and they use much less energy.

Refrigerator and Freezer

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer as full as possible, even if you simply put in empty packages or containers. A full refrigerator or freezer uses less energy.

• Defrost the freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently.

• Where possible, position your refrigerator and freezer away from your range.

Washing Machine and Clothes Dryer

• Wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine or clothes dryer.

• Use a lower temperature to wash clothes. Modern washing powders work just as well at low temperatures.

• Clean the lint filter on your dryer after each use.

Dishwasher

• Wait until you have a full load before using the dishwasher.

• Use the low-temperature setting unless your dishes are very dirty.

• Use the "energy saver" switch on your dishwasher. This usually shuts off the drying element, which greatly reduces the amount of energy used.

Cooking

• Use the right size pan for the food and the burner.

• Keep saucepan lids on when cooking.

• Don't use more water than you need.

• Preheat the oven only if the recipe calls for it.

• Use smaller kitchen appliances. Microwaves, toaster ovens, and slow cookers can use much less energy than a large electric oven.

Windows and Doors

• Weatherize windows and doors with caulking and weatherstripping.

• Make low-cost but effective "storm windows" by placing plastic over windows.