Top 10 tips under $10

Use these simple no-cost, low cost tips to save energy and money on your utilities bill.

1. Turn your thermostat down in the winter.
   For every one degree you turn your thermostat down you can save three to five percent on your energy bill. Keep your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower and put a sweater on if it gets chilly. (Free)
2. Turn off lights in empty rooms.
   On average, lighting your home accounts for 10 to 15 percent of your energy bill. Be sure to flip the switch when you're leaving a room. (Free)
3. Microwave food or use a toaster oven rather than a conventional oven.
   Avoid using a large conventional oven when cooking small portions of food. Microwaves and toaster ovens use much less energy, but cook foods just as well. (Free)
4. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.
   You'll conserve the amount of natural gas used to heat the water that your dishwasher and washing machine need. You'll not only be saving energy, but you'll be saving water too. (Free)
5. Use the sun and window coverings to control the temperature in your home.
   Open window coverings on sunny days to let in the sun's warmth. Close them at night or on cloudy days to keep the cold air out. Use draperies, blinds, curtains or shutters on all windows to slow the loss of heat through the glass. (Free)
6. Adjust the temperature on your hot water heater.
   Water heating typically accounts for 16 percent of your energy bill. Set water heater temperatures no higher than 120 degrees. (Free)
7. Position your furniture in your home for optimal comfort
   Make sure your furniture is placed next to inside walls instead of outside walls, and away from drafty windows. Avoid blocking heat registers and returns with furniture, draperies or carpet. (Free)
8. Seal leaks and cracks especially around windows and doors
   Poorly sealed homes allow heated air to escape through gaps. Caulking and weather-stripping reduces uncomfortable drafts and lowers energy bills. ($10)
9. Replace old light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
   By replacing 25 percent of your lights in high-use areas with CFLs, you can cut your lighting costs in half. ($3 to $7 per bulb)
10. Check and replace furnace filters.
    Replace filters at least once every two months. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder to push air through it. ($10)