6 Simple Energy-Saving Home Fixes

Upgrade Your Heating (and Cooling) System

Install (and properly program) a programmable thermostat. The average household spends $2,200 annually on energy bills, and about half of that is for heating and cooling, says Vargas. A programmable thermostat costs $50 to $80, is easy to install, and can save about $180 a year. You can shave 2 percent off your heating (or cooling) bill for each degree you lower (or raise) the thermostat for at least eight hours a day while you’re away from home or asleep, says Amanda Korane of the ACEEE.

For more ways to cut your energy bill, see 13 Easy Energy Savers for Your Home.