Check your living areas to see how your home measures up.

About 15 percent of the energy your home uses, for example, warms air that leaks through cracks. So you should caulk and weather-strip around all windows and doors to get rid of leaks. Here are some other tips...

Make sure any space heaters are sitting firmly on the floor for safety and maximum efficiency. (Do not put any combustible materials near space heaters.)

Check to make sure air registers and return grills for your heating and cooling system are not blocked by drapes, rugs or furniture.

• Though it provides a cozy atmosphere, a wood-burning fireplace is an inefficient way to heat your home. Only use your fireplace on milder winter days; between fires, close the damper and the fireplace doors. To maximize your fireplace efficiency, try tight-fitting glass doors over the fireplace opening to prevent heated room air from going up the chimney. A dedicated outside air source is recommended. Finally, consider buying gas logs. You'll get the cozy atmosphere of a burning fireplace and save money on firewood.
• Install fans, which can make indoor temperatures feel about five degrees cooler. With operating costs a few dollars a month, fans are an inexpensive way to cool a room. Ceiling fans work best in rooms with high ceilings. Window fans are most effective mounted in a large open area.
• In the winter, let the sun shine in through windows during the day. In the summer, close your drapes and pull down shades to keep the hot sun out. If you like to see out, consider adding awnings outside your windows.
• Consider replacing your standard incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights. New compact fluorescent lights can be used in lamps, ceiling lights and other lights and are more energy efficient.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Read the energy-efficient label whenever you buy new appliances. Though an energy-saving appliance may cost more, it will save up to half the amount of energy used by older models.
  

An energy survey:

• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Water Heaters
• Living Area
• Kitchen & Bath
• Utility Room & Basement
• Outside Your Home
• Attic