1Hang clothes to dry. Not only will you save on drying costs, you’ll negate the need for costly make-up air to replace all the indoor air dumped outdoors during the drying process.

2Close blinds and shades to reduce solar heat gain.

3Lower your water heater thermostat to 120°F.

4Raise your air conditioner/heat pump thermostat to 85°F when you will be away for long periods of time. Going to work for the day? Try 80°F. It simply isn’t true that HVAC systems require more energy to cool the home back down when you return.

5Don’t close air registers or interior doors in an attempt to direct cooled air to occupied rooms. This only increases duct leakage and restricts return air flow, increasing energy bills.

6Close your fireplace damper.

7Keep lids on pots while cooking.