Pat Keegan

The appliance replacement most likely to produce the greatest energy savings is your refrigerator. An older fridge can cost about $20 to run every month. Replacing an old fridge with a new ENERGY STAR®-rated model can cut that down to less than $5 a month. The ENERGY STAR® label certifies that the appliance saves energy. New refrigerators will include an additional label, the Energy Guide label, which shows how much energy it uses annually and compares that to the most and least efficient models available.

1. Thermostat.
In most homes, the largest portion of the energy bill goes toward heating and cooling. Setting back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling. Try turning your thermostat down some when no one is home, bumping the temperature back up when you return. If you’re used to a warmer house, it may mean throwing on a sweater or pair of slippers. Keep in mind this tactic is not as effective for some homes with radiant heat systems.