Drapes block out sunlight and heat better than blinds. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees. An insulating blanket will pay for itself in one year or less. Turn down or shut off your water heater when you will be away for extended periods. TOP Lighting Turn off unneeded lights, even when leaving a room for a short time.
Lights generate heat that increases room temperature.
Behind heating and cooling and water heaters, refrigerators and freezers are the biggest household energy users because they run all the time. Temperature settings that are too low cause refrigerators and freezers to run more than needed. The refrigerator temperature should be 36 to 38 degrees. The freezer temperature should be 0 to 5 degrees. Be ready to read it the moment you open the door.