My utility bills are killing me! Let me start at home to get this under control!

Here are some tips to think about when trying to conserve energy at home.

1. Stop air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Check on all windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.

2. Maintain the heating system. Heating can account for half the average family's energy bill. Make sure heater or heat pump receives maintenance every year. The cost will be re-couped in better performance throughout year.

3. Get a programmable thermostat. A programable thermostat can also help in cutting the heating bills and oooling bills.

4. Seal & insulate heating ducts. If your system is losing its warmed or cooled air before it reaches the registerit will cost you money in wasted energy expenses.

5. Insulate everything. By insulating the attic, ceilings, exterior walls and windows, basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces.

6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. Reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox. You can also open the nearest window a small bit and close doors to the room, and also lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF

7. Let the sun shine in. Let the sun in by opening curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

8. Cut back on the hot water. Water heating accountspart of a homes energy use. Cut back on water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.

9. Install storm windows and Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames.

10. Save with little labels. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs.

Pst comments with any additional tips to saving energy.