Your monthly energy bill covers the cost of electricity and gas used in your home or office. Several factors affect your energy costs, including your energy consumption and your location.

Energy bills continue to rise, making it challenging for businesses to operate and for residents to afford their monthly living costs. Using energy conservation strategies can help you reduce your energy bills and keep your energy costs from spiraling out of control.

Upgrade your HVAC system and appliances.

Your monthly energy bills should decrease if you install new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Your HVAC system distributes warm or cool air throughout your home or business. Old HVAC systems that haven’t been maintained have to work harder to regulate your home’s temperature, which means their energy use increases. Replacing the system is an easy way to use less energy. Ductless HVAC systems use less energy than HVAC units with ducts. Ducts can leak, which makes it harder to regulate your home’s temperature. Installing a ductless HVAC system is also an effective way to save money on maintenance costs and improve your home’s air quality.

Appliances consume a lot of energy. When it’s time to replace your refrigerator, washer, oven, or dryer, install Energy Star appliances. Energy Star appliances consume less energy, which will help you reduce your energy costs.

Install new windows and doors.

Installing impact windows is one of the home upgrades you should make if you live in hurricane country. Installing high-quality windows is also an effective way of reducing your monthly energy bills because these windows don’t leak air. Old windows allow unwanted air exchange, which makes it harder to maintain your desired internal temperature. New windows eliminate drafts in the winter months and keep hot air out during the summer.

There’s also an added financial benefit from installing impact windows. Insurance companies discount insurance costs for homeowners who invest in appropriate upgrades, and homeowners who live in hurricane countries can save thousands per year on insurance costs.

Old doors can also cause drafts. Replacing old doors will prevent leaks. New doors will keep your air conditioner from working overtime during the hot summer months and keep your home warm during the winter.

Manage your water use.

Your water use plays a big role in determining your energy costs. You consume electricity when water is drawn from your well, and your water heater uses electricity to heat water. You can reduce your water heating costs by wrapping insulation around your water heater to prevent heat loss. You can further reduce your electric bills by using cold water to brush your teeth and do laundry. Only run your dishwasher when it’s full. Cut down your shower time by a few minutes per shower to maximize your savings.

Insulate your attic.

Your attic can have a significant impact on your monthly energy bills. One way to reduce unwanted airflow is to install insulation in your attic. Homes with good insulation retain warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer. This means their HVAC systems run less and their energy bills decrease.

Replace your light bulbs and use natural light.

LED light bulbs only use a fraction of the energy incandescent light bulbs use. Replacing your old bulbs with LED bulbs will improve your lighting while reducing your electric bill.

You can also reduce your lighting costs by taking advantage of the natural light in your home. Move your favorite reading chair near a window, so you don’t need to turn on a lamp when you read during the day. Using sheer curtains will also allow light to enter your home, so you don’t need to turn on the lights as often.

Investing in some smart upgrades—such as a new HVAC unit, new windows, Energy Star appliances, and LED light bulbs—can help you reduce your energy costs. You can also reduce your monthly energy bills by employing some smart energy conservation habits, such as using cold water, taking shorter showers, and using natural light.