Furnace

Filters:  Replace or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy usage.  Consider a permanent filter.  Electostatic filters are better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen that cause illness and irritation.  Another good choice is a genuine HEPA filter.  Be sure your furnace is in good working order.  Many utility companies or heating/cooling contractors offer free or reduced cost annual checkups by qualified technicians.

Ducts:  Studies show 10% to 30% of heated (or cooled) air in an average system escapes from the duct work.  Hire a professional technician to come out and test your system.  Properly sealed ducts can save the average home up to $140 annually.

Thermostats:  Most households shell out 50 to 70% of their energy budgets on heating and cooling.  For every degree you lower the thermostat during heating season, you’ll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill. Programmable thermostats are available for as little as $50, and the average family will save $180 a year with one.

Insulation:  It is one of the best ways to save energy. It can make a big difference to add more insulation between walls, and make sure your attic insulation is adequate.

Paddle Fans

Counterclockwise rotation is for cooling breezes while switching to clockwise makes it warmer: air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space – cutting your heating costs as much as 10%.

A/C and Water Lines

Drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes.  If your a/c has a water shutoff valve, turn that off.  Don’t forget to remove any window A/C units to avoid cold drafts all winter.  Make sure any hoses are drained and stowed away. Turn off exterior water spigots.

Water Heater

Many conventional water heaters are set to 140 degrees F by installers.  By lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F (or lower) would reduce your water heating costs by 6% to 10%.  Pay less for hot water by insulating your pipes and hot water heater.  You can get pre-slit pipe foam at most hardware stores. Cut it to size and fasten in place with duct tape.

Storm Doors and Windows

Installing a storm door can increase energy efficiency by sealing drafts. Storm windows can make a huge difference when the cold wind starts blowing. It is worth it to get your storm windows installed for the season.

Buy Energy Star Appliances

Look for the energy use label.  It will give you the estimated yearly operating cost of the appliance.  If it has the energy star logo on it, you will have lower energy bills and less pollution than standard models.  More than 18,000 products in 35 different categories are covered in the Energy Star program.  A home fully equipped with Energy Star products will use about 30 percent less energy, saving around $600 a year.  Go to energystar.gov to see qualified products and learn more.

Fix Those Water Leaks

One faulty faucet can waste up to 3 gallons of water per day.  Sometimes a leak can be fixed by just tightening the connections.  If you have a leak that is too hard to get to, it is worth calling a plumber.  Another plus:  by fixing the leak, you can decrease the risk of mold.

Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Toilets

Most older model toilets waste large amounts of water. In fact, more than 30 percent of indoor residential water use is flushed.  Newer low-flow models use less than a gallon.  You can save water and money in your shower with a low-flow showerhead.  The devices are simple to install and are relatively inexpensive.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat will pay for itself in one season.  By maintaining a constant heating/cooling level, and always ‘remembering’ to turn down the heat at night, the average family will save $150 a year, according to the EPA. Programmable thermostats can be picked up from hardware stores, home improvement stores and major manufacturers for as little as $50.  Installing one is simple   Usually, you will connect up a few wires in the back once you remove your old one (shut off the power to the area first).  But if you have any doubt, it’s a quick fix for an electrician or handyman.

Dodge Drafts and Seal Air Leaks

One of the easiest ways to save money around the house is to stop drafts.  They can increase your energy bills 5 to 30 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Check for window drafts by carefully holding a candle or an incense stick up to each window and watch the smoke or flame to see if there is a leak. (Be sure to stay away from flammables:  curtains, shades, etc.)  Then use caulking or weather-stripping to seal the cracks.  Check older caulking and weather-stripping.  Over time, it can shrink.  To stop drafts at your doors, make or buy a ‘draft snake’ to put up against the bottom of your door.  Make sure you close in any holes or cracks in the foundation.