Improving your home’s energy efficiency is one of the best ways to save money while also helping the environment. There are many low-cost or no-cost steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient and eco-friendly.

First, find and seal any air leaks in your home. Gaps and cracks in walls, floors, attics, basements and roofs can lead to heat loss. Use caulk, weatherstripping, door sweeps or repair damaged areas to plug these leaks. This can improve your home’s insulation and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Next, ensure you have adequate insulation in your attic, roof, exterior walls, basement, crawl space and floors. Add more insulation if needed. Insulation helps prevent heat transfer and can make a big difference in your energy usage and costs.

Also, be sure to turn off lights, electronics and appliances when not in use. Use Energy Star rated light bulbs which are more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Choose efficient appliances and electronics which consume less energy. These small changes can significantly lower your utility bills over time.

Consider using a programmable thermostat to more efficiently control the temperature in your home. Lower the temperature in the winter or raise it in the summer when you are away or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can save up to 10% on heating and cooling per year.

Check your water heater temperature. Lowering it from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can save energy and money. Consider insulating your water heater and pipes as well to improve efficiency.

When replacing old appliances, choose Energy Star rated models which are more efficient. They may cost more upfront but will save money and energy over their lifetime.

Talk to your utility companies about budget billing or equal payment plans. They help avoid variable utility bills and make costs more predictable. Some utilities offer free energy audits to help you identify more ways to improve efficiency.

Take advantage of available tax incentives, rebates and financing for energy efficient home improvements. Tax credits, rebates and low-interest loans can help offset the costs of upgrades like insulation, new heating/cooling systems, renewable energy systems and more.