The cost to heat and cool your
home dominates energy use.

Careful Cooling

Most homes are full of electricity-gobbling appliances -- if not window or central air-conditioning (the biggest energy hogs of them all), then a big refrigerator/freezer and microwave oven (not to mention large-screen TVs, surround sound systems, multiple computers, etc.). Take care of what you have if you want to lower your electricity bills. It's amazingly simple, and since the next step is moving up to newer, more energy-efficient systems, you might want to start with caring for what you have.

First, if you don't have one now, get a programmable thermostat and use it to control the temperature in your home. There's no need to cool an empty house, so set a higher temperature when you're away. Maintain your central or window air-conditioner by hosing out leaves, debris, and dust from between the fins on the condensing unit outside of the house. Change filters on a regular basis, and check to be sure the condensate drain is clear (the tube that carries off excess moisture during humid weather). Have your cooling system checked each spring.

Your refrigerator also has a condensing unit with cooling coils. Look for a black radiator-like device, and vacuum lint, dust, and dirt from the coils. Usually this is located under the refrigerator behind a kick panel. You may need access from the back to complete the job. If there are cooling coils on the back, be sure there's at least one inch of clearance between the coils and the wall. Keep the freezer defrosted.