Many homeowners are looking for ways to lower their utility bills. Before you invest in solar panels or replace your home’s heating system, use these six simple tips to slash your energy usage.

Stick to cold water washes

Washing your clothes in cold water cuts back on utilities and gives your laundry a thorough clean. Air-drying your clothes also helps eliminate hefty electric bills. If you do need to use your dryer, don’t overfill your machine. Starving your dryer for air requires more energy to complete a cycle.

Run your dishwasher the smart way

Completely fill your dishwasher before you begin a cycle. When your wash cycle is complete, choose the air-dry cycle instead of heat-drying your dishes. Smart dishwasher habits will cut your dishwasher’s energy use by 15 percent or more.

Check your vents and filters

Clogged vents and dirty filters force your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air around your home. Remember to regularly clean your ducts and vents to boost your efficiency.

Plant trees

Cut your energy usage by planting trees on the south side of your home. Leafy, green trees provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight to warm your home in the winter.

Insulate your windows

Most of your home’s windows and doors have energy-leaking gaps. Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal off drafty areas and save on energy costs.

Turn off your electronics

Home electronics use a lot of energy. Switch your devices to an energy-saving mode or use a timer to avoid wasting power.

Conclusion

Cutting your utility bills doesn’t always require a major overhaul or large investment. Simple changes can add up to big savings over time. Try a few of these hacks around your own home and watch your energy bills shrink.

Andrea Davis is the editor at HomeAdvisor, which connects homeowners with home improvement professionals in their area for free. Connect with Andrea on Google+