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Seven simple steps can save you money at home

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1. Check Insulation/Air Leaks: Save up to 10% on heating/cooling
Cost Action Tools and Resources
Low cost Seal holes or cracks around windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches and electrical outlets. Sealing Air Leaks
High cost Improve insulation levels in your attic, exterior walls, ceilings, floors and crawlspaces. Insulation Calculator
No cost Close the fireplace damper when not in use. (Warning: See manufacturer’s safety requirements for permanent damper openings for gas starters and gas fireplaces.)  
2. Reduce Heating/Cooling: 45% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling
Cost Action Tools and Resources
No cost Grab a sweater. Lower your thermostat in the winter. Raise it as high as is comfortable in the summer.  
Low cost Clean/replace HVAC filters once a month or as needed.  
High cost Schedule HVAC service regularly. Cooling Tips
3. Save on Water Heating: Cut down on water heating, typically 13% of your utility bills
Cost Action Tools and Resources
No cost Use less hot water  
No cost Turn down the thermostat on your water heater  
Low cost Insulate your water heater  
High cost Buy a new, more efficient water heater Appliance Shopping Guide
4. Check Windows: Keep the heat out
Cost Action Tools and Resources
Low cost Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.  
No cost Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.  
High cost Install awnings or apply sun-control films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.  
High cost Install new solar control spectrally selective windows; cut cooling load up to 15%. Shopping Tips for Windows
5. Manage Lighting: New lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home up to 75%
Cost Action Tools and Resources
No cost Turn off lights when you leave the room.  
No cost Use task lighting.  
Low cost Use energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) which are much more efficient than incandescent (standard) bulbs and last 4 to 10 times longer. Disposing of CFL Bulbs
6. Save on Appliances: 20% of your household's energy powers your refrigerator, washer, dryer and other appliances
Cost Action Tools and Resources
No cost Run only full loads in the washer and dishwasher, or adjust water levels. Run shorter cycles; avoid the second rinse.  
No cost Air dry dishes; dry clothes on a line.  
High cost When shopping for appliances, think of the purchase price and the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime. You'll be paying on that second price tag every month with your utility bill for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the appliance. Appliance Shopping Guide
7. Manage Home Office and Home Electronics: Working from home saves energy and time by cutting out the commute, but it may increase your home energy bills
Cost Action
No cost Use power saver features on your personal computer, copier, printer and fax. Turn off when not in use.
No cost Screen savers do not reduce energy use.
No cost Turn off power strips when not in use.
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