Here are a few steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient -- thereby reducing your heating and cooling bills, and conserving resources at the same time.

Doors and windows

• Check for leaks and drafts.
• Add weather stripping as needed.Install curtains on your windows.

Insulation

• Check to ensure that your home is properly insulated.  
• If your home already has some insulation, consider increasing the amount of insulation in the attic and adding insulation to floors over a basement or crawlspace.

Furnaces and water heaters

• Replace inefficient furnaces and water heaters with new high-efficiency models.
• If buying a new furnace, do not get one larger than you need.
• Wrap the water heater in an insulating jacket.
• Clean filters on forced-air furnaces.

Other tips

• Install low-flow showerheads.
• Install a thermostat that will automatically lower nighttime temperatures.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air in the house, keeping the air mixed.
• Seal flues in unused fireplaces.
• Visit the Department of Energy's website at www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov, and conduct an “energy audit” of your home to evaluate your heating system's efficiency.