Cut your spending by $500 a month

Monthly savings: $70*

Tired of your spouse telling you to lower the thermostat and put on a sweater? Try these tips to cut your energy bills by 25% or more.

Do an energy audit. Get a free check of your home for energy leaks if your utility company offers one. Or do it yourself using the guide at energystar.gov.
Savings: up to $40 a month (after improvements).

Automate heating and cooling. Set a programmable thermostat ($50) to automatically lower the heat after bedtime and warm up the house before the alarm clock rings.
Savings: $15 a month.

Go fluorescent. A compact fluorescent bulb uses 75% less energy and lasts 10 times as long as an incandescent one. You'll make back its higher cost ($3.50 vs. 50¢) in six months.
Savings: $7 a month.

Put on that sweater. What's so bad about layering anyway? It's free and it's cozy. And for every one degree you lower the temperature, you'll cut about 1% off your heating bill.
Savings: $8 a month.

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