Moving to a new home involves many steps – make sure that energy improvements are on your to-do list. The U.S. Department of Energy has put together an EnergySavers guide that provides tips on how to cut your energy usage.

Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances
If you are making a household move and plan to buy new appliances that are energy efficient. When you buy an appliance, make sure it has a yellow ENERGY STAR® to let you know it is energy efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy sets guidelines for energy efficiency, and the ENERGY STAR® label shows a passing grade. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label use 20-40+% less energy than comparable appliances that don’t have one. You should also look for the yellow label if you are buying a furnace, AC unit or water heater.

Make Energy Efficiency Home Improvements
Making sure you have the right amount of insulation in the attic and crawlspace will also help save energy. Both warm and cold air can escape through old windows – upgrading to newer double-pane glass reduces energy transfer. Local governments may even offer incentives for homeowners that make upgrades – check www.energy.gov/savings.

Small Changes Can Have Big Impact
There are smaller investments you can make in your home if you don’t have the money for major improvements. Programmable thermostat – lets you turn down the heat or AC during parts of the day when you are not home. Energy Efficient light bulbs (CFL/LED bulbs) – they can use up to 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs. Household drafts caused by outside vents, wires and pipes can be stopped with inexpensive caulk or expansion foam.

You can experience many years of lower utility bills by making these one-time energy efficiency upgrades.