With hot summer days right around the corner, many home owners are already thinking about ways to save on their electric bill. Besides adjusting your thermostat, here are some small changes you can make that could add up to big savings over time. Lower the temperature on your hot-water heater to 120 degrees and wash clothes in cold water. Replace lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified bulbs. Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent air leaks. Increase your home’s insulation and put weather-stripping around your attic hatch or door. Clean or replace your air filters regularly, as dirty filters make your HVAC system work harder and run longer. And when it’s time to replace appliances, invest in ones designed to be energy efficient.

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