Repair leaking faucets. Warm-water leaks should be given immediate attention because they can raise your electric consumption rapidly. Drain your hot water tank regularly to remove sediment. Consider a tankless water heater; they are 35-45 percent more efficient, pay for themselves in 3-5 years, and never run out of hot water. Wrap the hot water heater in an insulation blanket. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater. For each 10 degrees of reduction, you can save 3-5 percent in energy costs. 120°F is suggested unless your dishwasher does not have its own water heater, in which case 130°F - 140°F is suggested [...]

Replace all incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Always turn lights off in rooms you are not using. Make sure bulbs do not exceed the recommended wattage indicated on the light socket. One larger wattage bulb is more efficient than two smaller wattage bulbs. Direct light, such as for reading, is more efficient than brightly lighting an entire room. Clean light bulbs regularly.

Set your thermostat at 68°F or lower - every degree of extra heating will increase energy usage six to eight percent. Dress warmly. Use more blankets at night. Set ceiling fans on reverse to re-circulate the heat that builds up near the ceiling. Cover windows on winter nights with insulated curtains. Open interior blinds, drapes, or shades during the day to let the sun warm your home during cooler months.

Set your thermostat at 78°F or higher - every degree of extra cooling will increase energy usage six to eight percent. Use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate the cool air. Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. Shade south and west windows with plants or trees to block the heat during the summer. Close interior blinds, drapes, or shades to block the sun and heat during warm weather. Use a clothesline instead of a clothes dryer. Outside air conditioning units, or condensers, should be shaded. On warm days raise your thermostat to 80°F [...]