Determine which parts of your home use the most energy, and how you can best reduce your energy costs, by performing an energy audit. You can conduct a simple audit yourself, contact your local utility, or call an independent energy auditor for a more comprehensive examination.

Check your home's insulation levels, and check for open fireplace dampers. Look for holes or cracks around doors, light and plumbing fixtures, and other places where air may leak into or out of your home. Make sure your appliances and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained, and study your family's lighting needs and use patterns, paying special attention to high-use areas.

Once you've determined where your home is losing energy, assign priorities to your energy needs; make smart purchases and home improvements that maximize energy efficiency and save the most money.