If you think cutting your energy usage requires a big investment, think again. Small changes like these can have a noticeable impact on your bill.

• When you’re out of your house (and at night, when you’re asleep), use a programmable thermostat to automatically raise the temperature 5 to 10 degrees in summer and lower it 5 to 10 degrees in winter.
• Install weather stripping on all doors and windows.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR^®-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They’re relatively cheap, use 75% less energy and typically last ten times longer. Replacing a 100 watt incandescent bulb with a 32 watt ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL could save you, on average, $30 over the life of the bulb.
• Install electric timers on exterior lighting, small appliances and room air conditioners.
• Add dimmers or occupancy sensors to your home’s lighting system.
• If you have any exposed ductwork in your house, seal all joints with a caulk, such as mastic. Otherwise, heating (and cooling) could escape before getting where it’s supposed to go.
• If you have less than 6 to 10 inches of insulation in your attic, you probably need more.
• Consider installing low-flow showerheads and sink aerators to reduce hot water use.
• When buying new appliances, lights, electronics or other products, look for the ENERGY STAR label.