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With a few small changes in your energy habits and practices, you can obtain meaningful savings on your utility bills. While any one of these small changes might not save a bundle, when you add them up, you’ll realize big savings. Try the following:

It’s so easy to take clean and ample water for granted, but unfortunately, safe, fresh supplies aren’t guaranteed. When you conserve water, not only do you protect this valuable resource, you also lower your water and sewer bills.

The days are getting colder, the temperatures lower, and your energy bills higher, so if you knew how to achieve lower energy bills, wouldn’t you take those steps? We have some good news — there are a variety of methods to reduce wintertime and holiday energy bills, and most of them are relatively simple. Try some of these:

Modern plumbing fixtures have come a long way in terms of conserving water. Homeowners have recognized the benefits of these newer, more efficient appliances, as they learn they not only save on their water bills but also help safeguard their community’s water supplies for coming years.

The federal Energy Star program was established in 1992. It’s goal was and is to spearhead the reduction of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by, in large, making it easier for consumers to choose energy-efficient products that offer superior performance and features.

If a single thermostat is regulating the temperature in your home, you’re probably wasting energy, especially if your home is large or has more than one level. A thermostat installed on a wall in the living room or a nearby hallway will have no problem controlling the temperature in that area. Yet, that amount of heating or cooling likely will be too little or too much for other parts of the house. That’s why many homes are switching to a zoning system, which allows independent temperature control in different parts of the house.

If you’ve been considering replacing your existing HVAC system with a geothermal heat pump (GHP), 2016 may be the most advantageous time to do so. The Recovery Act of 2009 made tax credits available for homeowners who install exceptionally efficient HVAC and solar equipment. While some of provisions for high efficiency equipment have expired, the credits are still available for GHPs and solar systems that end in 2016.

The amount and quality of the attic insulation in your home makes the largest impact on its energy efficiency and your year-long energy costs. Adequate insulation properly installed will start saving energy immediately, and last for years. In most cases, it’s the most affordable improvement for long lasting comfort.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency for winter cuts energy costs without having to sacrifice any comfort. The steps you take to save energy also help lengthen the life of your major appliances and increase home safety.