Let's cover some of the basics if you are already not doing these. Start with switching out your lightbulbs to LED bulbs. These are both longer-lasting bulbs that utilize much less energy than their halogen cousins.

Also, slowly start replacing major appliances with Energy Star certified ones. These are built to be more energy-efficient and not rack up the electricity bill. The best part is, is that more and more household appliances are already focused on being certified.

Where do I go next?

Once you’ve taken care of the simpler items mentioned above, you might want to start looking at where energy is easily wasted often overlooked. Let’s start with setting up a smart thermostat in your home. Instead of blasting the heat or air conditioner, these thermostats will ensure that you have your desired optimal temperature in your home, and only turn your HVAC system on when it's needed to adjust the temperature. This ensures you aren’t blasting the heat or cool air, and this is one of the biggest money sinks for energy costs.

Look into your attic and the general insulation of your home, as that is a major factor in regulating the temperature both for warmth and cooling. Without the proper insulation set up in your home, your HVAC system will have to work overtime to get the desired consistent temperature in your household.

Another major issue to consider is that your HVAC and boiler systems are properly maintained. Without the proper maintenance, they will start to lose their effectiveness and thus their efficiency. By getting them consistently checked by specialists about once a year for both your HVAC and water heater system, those tune-ups will help keep them in working conditions and not have your energy costs spike.

What's the best option?

Of course, one can always consider solar panels. By installing your own energy producers, you can eventually completely eliminate your energy costs completely, as you become self-sufficient. They also can provide an extra barrier on your roof, and help provide shade and insulation, reducing your HVAC cooling needs. No longer do you need to rely on the electric company for power and have them making you dip into your wallet for funds. The solar panels have completed replaced this drain on your finances!

Not only are there extensive energy savings here, but you’re also using a renewable energy source that has the added benefit of being drastically good for the environment. If these reasons aren’t enough, now is one of the best times ever to take advantage of federal tax credits through 2023, that will help reduce the burden of the cost of purchasing and installing your solar panels, as it is a direct claim on your federal income up to a certain percentage. The worst option you can do to save on your energy costs is doing none of the above.