Insulate your home — energy savings in the home begin with your house itself

• The attic
• Outside walls
• Walls next to unheated or uncooled areas (garages, crawl spaces, unfinished cellars, etc)
• Foundation walls
• Storm windows and doors
• Energy efficient window shades
• Weather-stripping and caulking

Maintain your heating and cooling systems regularly

• Have your heating and cooling systems checked by professionals
• Clean radiators and ductwork and vents
• Make sure air filters on heating systems are clean

Careful water use and your water heater settings can save energy

• Use showerhead flow restrictors to save water
• Repair leaky faucets
• Keep the thermostat on your water heater at 120F degrees
• Insulate hot water pipes and the hot water tank, if possible

Careful choice and use of appliances can save energy

• Buy the right size appliance for your household needs
• Look for special energy saving features on appliances
• Turn appliances off when not in use
• Tun appliances at optimum loads — for example, a full dishwasher rather than one that is half empty

Other ways to save energy both inside and outside the house

• On cold days, open window shades on sunny days on the sunny side of the house and close shades after sundown
• On hot days, leave shades down during the hottest part of the day
• Dress appropriately for the season. Wear layers of warm clothes in winter and comfortable, lighter clothes in summer
• Make sure radiators are not blocked by furniture or stored items
• Use energy-saving fireplace screens if you use your fireplace during the heating season
• Don't run kitchen or bathroom vent fans longer than necessary
• Use energy-saving light bulbs wherever possible
• Outside the house, effective plantings of trees and shrubs can keep a house cooler in summer, or protect it from winter winds