1. Heating and Air Conditioning system (44%)
2. Water Heater (if it is electric) (14%)
3. Refrigerator (number of units, age and location can have a big impact) (9%)
4. All other - lighting, appliances, entertainment, etc. (33%)

Note: Swimming pools, hot tubs and water wells can be first or second depending on circumstances.

1. Climate
2. Building envelope and systems
3. Behaviors

• In warm season keep drapes closed during the day
• Be sure your fireplace damper is closed when not in use (an open damper creates a draft)
• Set central system thermostat to 78 in summer and 68 in winter.  At night or if you leave for an extended period of time, turn your thermostat down a few more degrees in the winter or up a few more degrees in the summer.
• Set water heater thermostat on low setting
• Wash clothes with cold water
• Only use bathroom and kitchen power vents when necessary
• Clean coils under refrigerator
• Keep unnecessary lights off
• Unplug appliances when not in use

• Change your filters regularly on heating and cooling equipment (use a pleated filter with a MERV rating of 6 or more)
• Replace regular bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs and save 75% in electricity usage  see Light Bulb Energy Saver Calculator
• Use motion detectors or timers to reduce outdoor lighting times
• Fix drippy faucets (they waste hot water and can make wells run longer)
• Improve weather stripping around doors and windows
• Seal around pipes where they penetrate walls and floors
• Install a water heater blanket
• Seal and insulate air ducts be sure to use mastic sealant (see more information on duct sealing)
• Insulate hot-water pipes in unheated spaces, such as attic or crawl-space
• Have your heater and air conditioner checked before peak usage season
• Consider a programmable thermostat and use it to save money when you are not at home or at night
• Improve attic insulation to at least R-38 to R-49 and save a bundle (at least R-13 wall insulation is good too)
• Consider changing your old windows to newer low E Energy Star rated windows
• Consider adding solar screens

• Buy appliances with the Energy Star rating (appliances built before the 1990's may need to be replaced)
• Old refrigerators built before 1990 can be big energy users (see Refrigerator Retirement Calculator)
• If Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old. Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.
• If you replace your air conditioner buy one that is rated at 14 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) or more see more information about buying a heat pump.
• If you are considering a new window unit air conditioner be sure to get the right size and buy an efficient Energy Star model see Energy Star unit sizing information (PDF file).

• Use the internet to understand energy use better:
  •  Home Energy Savers (DOE and Touchstone Energy sponsored) its specifically about your home;
  • Alliance to Save Energy Home Checkup
  • Texas State Energy Conservation Office
  • Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency
  • Energy Star
  • Energy Hog (interactive game)