You don’t have to install solar panels or make a major renovation in your home to cut down your power bill. Just try one (or all) of these simple, no-cost energy saving solutions.

1.Control your thermostat. In the summer you should keep your thermostat at 78 degrees. In the winter, it should be set to 68 degrees. Experts say these are the optimal temperatures to maintain HVAC efficiency while keeping your home comfortable.

2.Use your ceiling fan. Heating and cooling make up the largest chunk of your electricity bill, but using your ceiling fan can help reduce your expense. In the summertime, using the ceiling fan can make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler so you can turn up the air conditioner without being uncomfortable. In the wintertime, switch the direction of the blades movement. This will push warm air from your ceiling down and keep your home toasty.

3.Wash your clothes in cold water. About 90 percent of the energy used by your washing machine is due to water heating. You can significantly reduce energy use in your laundry room by using cold water instead. Pick up a cold water detergent at the store and you won’t even notice a difference in your clothes. (Except for a little extra money in your pockets!)

4.Turn down your water heater. Most hot water heater

s come preset at 140 degrees. But that’s far hotter than any family actually needs. Your hot water ends up wasting energy trying to heat water to that high temperature threshold. Fortunately, this is adjustable. Turn your hot water down to 120 degrees for significant savings without losing any comfort.

5.Unplug your electronics. Appliances and electronic devices continue to use power when they are switched off. This standby power can really add up on your electric bill. According to ENERGY STAR the average American family can save about $100 a year by unplugging unused electronics.

6.Use the weather to your advantage. When it’s cold out, keep your blinds and curtains open to allow the sun’s natural light to heat your home for free. Open the windows when it’s cool in the fall and spring to allow the breeze to cool your home. And in summer months, keep blinds and curtains closed tightly to keep the heat out.

7.Cook with smaller appliances. Using an oven to cook your dinner heats up your home. If you have them, opt to cook your meals with smaller appliances when possible. Appliances such as microwaves, toaster ovens and slow cookers use far less energy than your oven and keep the heat from your home.

8.Get rid of your extra refrigerator. It may be convenient to have an extra refrigerator or freezer on hand, but it’s probably costing you a pretty penny. A second fridge can cost as much as $120 a year in electricity costs. Unplug it to pocket the savings.