2. Change your air filter regularly

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

3. Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

4. Don’t over dry your clothes

It is easy to over dry your clothes if one setting is used to dry various fabric types. Try to dry clothes made up of similar fabrics so the entire load dries when the cycle ends. Buy dryers that have a sensor to stop the dryer cycle when the clothes are dry.

5. Drapes

During cold weather keep your drapes open to take advantage of the sun’s warmth during daylight hours. In summer close your drapes to keep out the heat of the summer sun.

For additional energy saving tips visit energystar.gov.