By avoiding constant adjustments you can stabilize your energy bills. Dripping bathroom faucets and leaky shower heads are obvious waste culprits. Fortunately, they re easy to fix with a self-help book. Toilet tank water-savers can mean significant dollar savings, too. An average family can save about 20,000 gallons of fresh water a year with a few easy bathroom fix-ups.
Fireplaces can be a big energy leak.
Check dampers and screens to make sure warm air isn t escaping when the fireplace isn t in use. Consider installing an energy-saving firebox to help circulate heat. If the fireplace is just for decoration, cover the chimney. An energy-efficient fireplace can be an economical and cozy source of supplemental heat. Help your home systems and appliances do their jobs by keeping filters clean and operating parts oiled.