Many people think saving energy requires a large change or purchase in their home, however there are a few easy DIY projects you and your family can do that will cut your energy bills in half. Here are a few ideas:

#1: Believe it or not, the attic is where most of the heat in your home escapes to. This is because heat rises and most homes do not have enough insulation to keep it fro getting out. Fiberglass insulation is a cheap and easy fix to this problem, and you don’t need any home improvement skills to do it yourself! You can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs by appropriately insulating your home.

#2: Another easy, inexpensive, DIY project that will make a big difference in your home’s energy bills is installing weather stripping. This will prevent the air inside your home from escaping therefore saving you money on your heating and cooling bills.

#3: Many people do not realize another common source of air leaks is through outlets and switches. Specialized outlet and switch plate seals can found inexpensively at any hardware store and are incredibly easy to install yourself.

#4: One of the best ways to keep you home cool is to prevent the heat from entering to begin with. By planting more leafy plants and trees outside your home, you can reduce the amount of sun shining on your roof, windows, and outdoor air conditioning unit while at the same time improving your home’s exterior appearance. Save money on air conditioning and increase your home’s curb appeal; it’s a win-win.

#5: Many older shower heads put out about 4-5 gallons of water per minute alone. Installing a low flow shower head, which only put out 1.5 gallons, can save you money every day and conserve water. These are also relatively inexpensive and very easy to install.

#6: If you have an older water heater, you can save 4-9% on your water heating costs just by insulating it. Insulating hot water heater jackets can prevent standby heat loss by 25-45%. This is a very simple, low-cost project that will save you money and heat your water more efficiently.

#7: Use inexpensive caulk or expanding foam to seal cracks around your windows or doors that are draining your money. Having these cracks is the equivalent of leaving a window open all year long. Most energy companies offer a free program to help determine whether you have leaky air ducts and other inefficiencies in your home. Make an appointment for an energy home inspection—you might be surprised by how much they can help you save!

#8: If you’re in the market for new appliances, Energy Star rated refrigerators, washers, and water heaters use a fraction of the energy their counterparts. Occasionally, you may have to pay more for one of these products, but you will always earn your money back in the long run with one of these rated products. So if you’re looking for a great way to save on your utility bills in the long run, lok for the Energy Star logo first when buying/replacing large appliances.