If you’re a homeowner, you probably have quite the list of things to do before the end of the year. Evaluating your home’s energy use should be one of them. Not only can an energy evaluation help you discover your energy usage habits, but it can also save you money.

To get you started, we created a simple checklist to help you identify inefficiencies with your energy use, and action items to spare your wallet from unnecessary costs.

  • Unplug. When you’re not using it, do you unplug it? Computer monitors, cell phone chargers, coffeemakers, and fans are just a few pieces of equipment that can drain your electricity when not in use. Make it a habit to unplug once you’re done.
  • Make your water heater efficient. Is your water heater too hot? Reduce your water heater’s temperature to the “warm” setting of 120 degrees. Not only does it conserve energy, but it’ll save you from scalded hands. Also, see if your water heater has an insulating blanket, which pays for itself in a year or less. Check out this helpful list of additional energy-saving tips for your water heater.
  • Choose ENERGY STAR. When shopping for new household appliances or products, do you opt for ENERGY STAR? Products with the ENERGY STAR label are the simple choice for saving energy and protecting the environment. Certified models can save you up to 30 percent on electricity bills.
  • Get regular maintenance. Has your furnace or heat pump been appropriately maintained? These systems should be checked by a professional every year. If you’re ready to replace your system, look for the ENERGY STAR label.
  • Turn off the lights. Are you guilty of keeping the lights on after you leave a room? Consider installing timers or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are left on.
  • Change your bulbs. Have you replaced your lightbulbs recently? Switching incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs.
  • Change your filters. Has it been a while since you replaced the filters in your home? You should change the filters in your furnace, HVAC, and heat pump regularly to keep your systems running smoothly and maintain optimal air quality.
  • Draw your curtains. Do you take advantage of free warmth from the sun on chilly winter days? Leave the curtains of your south-facing windows open during the day for added warmth. Close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Have you already implemented some of these checklist items in your home? To learn more ways to save money on energy or how to be a more energy-efficient homeowner, check out our free home energy guide or give us a call at 1-800-427-8545.