Insulate your house. In the winter, insulation keeps warm air inside your house reducing the time your heater has to run. In the summer, it keeps the cool air in and the warm air out reducing the amount of energy it takes to cool your home. Insulating your attic to the maxium practical depth will help. The Department of Energy recommends to insulate attics in this area to R-38.
Close the damper. Fireplaces add warmth to your home, but when not in use hot air escapes through the chimney. By closing the damper, energy cannot escape.
Caulk or weather-strip windows. Windows are one of the easiest places to lose energy. Check for cracks or loose panes and repair them. Make sure you can't feel a cool breeze around your windows. Be sure to check anywhere air could be escaping your home. Air leaks around the home can add 10 percent to your heating and air conditioning bills.
Install shades, blinds, awnings, sun screens or window films to the sunny-side windows of your home to lower energy use.
Set thermostat up 4 degrees and run fans to circulate air. Fans can counteract the higher thermostat setting.
Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Incandescent lamps produce 10% light and 90% heat.
Change filters regularly. Heating and cooling system filters should be changed every month and the outdoor coil should be cleaned every year.
Avoid baking or boiling on hot days. Use your microwave oven. It produces little heat to cook and won't increase temperature in your home.
Use washers, dryers and dishwashers after the sun sets. These appliances can produce humidity, making air uncomfortable in your home.
Unplug appliances when not in use. Even electric toothbrushes and answering machines continue to use electricity when they're turned off but still plugged in to the outlet.
Closing heating and cooling registers in unused rooms does NOT usually help reduce operating hours and may reduce your system's efficiency.
Helpful hints along with other energy conservation tips can be found by going to the energy hog buster Web site at www.energyhog.org. There's fun stuff for kids, too!