It is estimated that the average family will spend over $2,000 on energy bills and of that, nearly half will be spent on heating and cooling. (Some of us spend over $3,000 per year.) Why neglect your greatest investment, your home, this year? These simple suggestions could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars this year.

Savings for summer months

• Keep your thermostat around 80 degrees and make sure you raise the temperature at least four degrees when you leave for more than few hours. However, you want to be careful not to raise the temperature too high because that will cost you more to re-cool your home when you get back.
• Open your windows and use portable fans to help cool your home.
• Remove lamps, TV's, and appliances from near your thermostat because they produce heat that will make your air conditioning unit run longer.
• Make sure your attic is well ventilated and isn't unnecessarily trapping heat.
• Shade your windows with white drapes, curtains, blinds, or install awnings. Solar screens are good for keeping out the sun's energy.
• Plant trees and shrubbery around your house since they can greatly reduce the amount of heat your home absorbs.
• Use energy efficient light bulbs such as fluorescent light bulbs.

• Make sure there are no cracks around your windows and doors shut snuggly.
• Make sure if you replace old heating equipment you don't go too big, you'll end up paying much more in energy costs.
• Check to see if your air ducts have any holes or leaks, especially check the duct leading outside. You also want to make sure no vents are obstructed.
• Check with your local utility provider and see if there are any rebates or specials on heating equipment.
• If your heating unit is more than 10 years old, you may want a professional inspection to see if it needs to be replaced. An individual contractor should be able to give the most unbiased opinion, since they're not trying to sell something.
• Set your thermostat to a lower setting, 68 is efficient and still comfortable. As in the summer, you'll want to make sure you lower the temperature when you leave but not drastically.
• Make sure your walls are properly insulated. You can also insulate wall outlets to completely insulate your home from the elements. Try asking a professional at Home Depot or Lowes to see what might work best in your home.

The more you spend on heating and cooling your home, the less money you have to spend on your other expenses. Plus, you can use the savings you've earned by making your home more efficient to repay your debt. It doesn't sound fun to use extra cash to repay debt but by doing so, you will increase your savings by eliminating the interest you otherwise would have paid.