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Step 1
Invest in a programmable thermostat and keep it turned down. It doesn't cost anything to put on a sweatshirt or grab a blanket when you are home. You can also keep the cold air out of your house to begin with by applying weather-stripping around doors and windows. If you already have some installed, check it to make sure it isn't dry and cracked or coming away from your doors and windows.
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Step 2
Insulate your switches and outlets by installing foam gaskets behind the switch plates. They can be found at any home improvement store. Whenever possible, avoid using the exhaust fans in your bathrooms and your kitchen. Not only are you removing odors but you are also removing warm air from those areas.
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Step 3
Here are a few no-brainer things to do. Switch all your light bulbs to CFL's. They might not always look pretty but for each one you install, figure you will cut your bill by at least 25 cents a month per bulb. Turn down your hot water heater. Most households can function just fine when the heater is set at 120 degrees instead of 150 degrees. It's also a good idea to wrap your water heater in insulation. Just don't cover the flue or the intake opening. If you don't already, wash all your clothes in cold water. If you are worried your clothes won't be clean enough, you can buy laundry detergent especially made for cold water washing.
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Step 4
Run your dishwasher only when it's full and use the air dry setting instead of the heat dry. Run it before you go to bed and your dishes will have all night to air dry. Clean the filter at the bottom of your refrigerator. It will keep it from running so much. Unplug any appliances you don't use more than once a day. Things you use more often like tv's, vcr's, cable boxes, computers, etc. can be put on a power strip and you can shut it off every night before you go to bed. (I don't suggest you do this if your cable box is a DVR)
