• 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 at 78 in summer and 68 in the winter
• Set water heater thermostat on low setting
• Wash cloths with cold water
• Only use bathroom and kitchen power vents when necessary
• Clean coils under refrigerator

• 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 facets (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).

Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements including adding insulation, replacement windows, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 during the two year period of the tax credit. This tax credit applies to improvements made to your primary residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007. See Energy Policy Act of 2005 -- Summary of Tax Credits for Homeowners.

• 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)