TIP 1. Window wise
If air seems to be coming in around your windows, it may be time to boost their efficiency with caulking, weatherstripping and storm windows. Better yet, replace them with ENERGY STAR-approved, double-glazed, low-E windows.

TIP 2. Crawl in
Sealing your crawl space will lower your energy bill and help keep unhealthy, damaging moisture out of your home.

TIP 3. See the light
Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescents (CFLs), which use three-quarters less electricity and last years longer. The latest CFLs don’t flicker, give an excellent quality of light and generate less heat (which you’ll appreciate during the summer).

TIP 4. Get with the program
Install a programmable thermostat and use it consistently. This can save you as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling bills.

TIP 5. Replace appliances
Select high-efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers that are ENERGY STAR-approved, and you’ll see the savings. Select a gas dryer if possible.

TIP 6. A tight seal
Adjust door thresholds for an airtight fit and install weatherstripping. The largest air-leak culprits are gaps around plumbing, chimneys, attics, recessed lights and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Also, seal ductwork connections with duct mastic to prevent leakage.

TIP 7. Close up outlets
Install foam gaskets over switch and receptacle plates. Caulk the sides first, then place the gasket in place. Insert child protective covers into outlet holes to stop air.

TIP 8. System upgrade
Consider having higher-efficiency heating and cooling equipment installed if you can. Also consider replacing your water heater with an on-demand model.

TIP 9. Hire an auditor
Hire an energy auditor to perform a home-energy assessment so you can know where the worst energy waste is occurring.

TIP 10. Cooking smart
When you boil water, put a lid on the pot. The water boils faster, using less energy. Also, make sure the burner pans are clean and shiny, so they’ll reflect more heat and save energy.

TIP 11. Remodel
If you need more living space, remodeling is the greenest choice you can make. Reusing an existing house rather than building a new one (no matter how energy efficient it is) is a much greener thing to do.

TIP 12. The right materials
Choose flooring and countertop materials that are impervious to water so you don’t trap moisture in unwanted places.

TIP 13. Vent
Arrange furniture so it does not block heating and air system vents and return registers.

TIP 14. Under wraps
Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees and insulate your water heater and pipes.

TIP 15. Create shade
Put shade screens and tinting on windows facing south, east and west. Insulated window shades can reduce winter heat loss and summer heat gain by as much as 80 percent.

TIP 16. Flip the switch
Turn off lights, appliances and electronic gadgets every time you leave a room, especially the computer when the workday is done.

TIP 17. Slow the flow
Install low-flow aerator faucets and showerheads. They are inexpensive and can save up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute.

TIP 18. Cut the chemicals
Reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated at home from paints, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. Read labels and buy only what is needed to complete the job. Use paints and sealants with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They don’t smell as bad, and they usually offer the same quality, cost and colors as traditional paints.

TIP 19. Time it right
Use motion detectors, photo-sensors and timers on exterior lighting instead of leaving lights on all night.

TIP 20. Change by degrees
Change your thermostat temperature by just 2 degrees when you’re home and awake, and 8 degrees when you’re at work or asleep.

TIP 21. Air in motion
Install ceiling fans in the rooms you use most to help keep them cool in the warmer months.

TIP 22. Go electric
Gas-powered lawn equipment releases thousands of tons of pollutants into the air each year. Using electric equipment can drastically reduce pollution around your home.

TIP 23. Clean coils
Don’t overload the refrigerator; it makes the compressor work harder. Also, vacuum the coils in back every six months to improve the heat transfer. Consider unplugging or getting rid of that extra refrigerator in the garage or basement.

TIP 24. Out of the sun
Shade your room air conditioner from direct sun. This will reduce its workload. Clean the filters monthly and replace as necessary to save energy and reduce dust and pollen in the air.

TIP 25. Allow airflow
Prune back shrubs that may block airflow to your air conditioner or heat pump.

TIP 26. Down with dust
Vacuum air vents, baseboard heaters and radiators regularly to remove dust that can reduce heating efficiency.

TIP 27. Plant protection
Plant new trees around your home. As they grow, they will block sunlight and wind so that your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard.

TIP 28. A full load
Wash your family’s clothes in full loads with cold water. You can even hang them out to dry on a clothesline and enjoy the fresh-air smell they soak up.

TIP 29. Ask around
Ask your utility companies about special offers. You may be able to find cash rebates, low-interest loans or other incentive programs for buying energy-efficient products and services.

TIP 30. Get help!
Use the many resources out there to help you make the right choices.