Save energy without shivering or sweating

If you want to reduce your home energy costs, the easiest way is to turn the thermostat up or down. In fact, you probably won't notice a difference of a degree or two either way - and the savings can be substantial.

However, if you want to lower your bill even more each month, here are some additional tips that are relatively easy to implement:

• Plug or fix the drafts. Even in newer homes, air filtration can occure at the windows and doors. So, check around your home for drafts. Windy or cold days are the best days to check. Then, get any drafts you find repaired or temporarily plugged until you can repair them.
• Check the attic. The insulation should be evenly spread across the space without thin or bare spots. Also ensure, that there is enough insulation. You should check this once or twice a year to ensure, that no rodents or strong winds have moved the insulation.
• Get smart with your thermostat. Most of them these days are programmable. Program yours to reduce the heat at night and when you are away in the winter. In the summer, be easy on the A/C during the day and save the cooling for the evening and night.
• If you have unused rooms, close the vents to reduce heating or cooling them. You'll be surprised by how much that will lower your energy bill. Also think about rooms like rec rooms or finished basements, which may only be used once in a while. No need to keep them warm or cold all the time.
• Harness the sun. It's basically free energy. In the wintertime, open your blinds and let the sun shine in. Even on cloudy days, it will help with heating up your home. In the summer, try to shade the sun out, when you can place the shade on the outside of the windows. It will significantly reduce the need for A/C usage.

Try some of these tips over the next year and look at the IMPACT they will have on your energy costs.