Around 30 percent of the energy used in an average home is wasted through drafts, old appliances, and standby power, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Walk the house with a checklist. Feel for drafts at windows and doors, then seal them with caulk or weatherstripping that costs a few dollars per roll.
Switch off or unplug devices that glow even when they are off, since standby power can add up to 10 percent of a home’s electricity.
Upgrade the thermostat first, because heating and cooling account for the biggest share, and a programmable model pays for itself within months.