Many of us have very little time for the extra house work that we know we need to do, and the last thing you want to do on a nice sunny day is do house work. But, we wanted to give you some a list of a few very simple items around the house that could bring you significant savings on your monthly bills. The following is five maintenance tasks that will have an impact on your utility budget.

1. Replace Old Appliances - If you're using a fridge or any other major appliance that's over 12 years old, there's a very good chance that a much more energy-efficient model is on the market. While the initial investment may seem high, you can reduce your annual bills by $50-150 per machine by replacing.
   
   
2. Patch Ductwork - No matter how new and efficient your heating/cooling unit is, if your ductwork is leaky, you're wasting money. To check for leaks, simply run your hands along all ducts outisde your "living space" ... in the attic, outdoors, etc ... while your system is running. If you feel air leaking out, patch it with a duct mastic (can be bought at HomeDepot or Lowes). Caution: Duct tape may seem like the easy fix here, but it almost always comes loose.
   
   
3. Upgrade Your Heating/Cooling Unit - Again, not a cheap fix. But, if you're system is 20+ years old, investing in a new one may pay for itself in approximately 5 years, just from monthly savings on your bills alone. If replacing the unit isn't within the budget right now, at least keep the filters changed every 3 months at a minimum - this will help keep your older system operating at it's peak. If you are planning on selling in the near future, an updated HVAC system goes a long way in the buyers minds.
   
   
4. "Seal" Your Home - small gaps & cracks in your home can allow 1/3 of the heat/air produced by your system to escape! Look in your attic for gaps around pipes & wiring that come through the floor. Use expanding-foam spray here. Check inside around wall outlets - if you feel drafts ... turn off power, remove covers, and use paintable caulk to seal gaps between electrical box & wallboard. Caulk cracks around all window trim. And, install weatherstripping around and between sashes.
   
   
5. Add Insulation - In the attic & in the basement ... anywhere you have insulation ... you can probably benefit from adding more. Rolls or spray-in insulation are okay for attic, and in the basement, use a polyurethane foam where the wood walls meet the masonry foundation. You can save 5 to 25% on your bills here, depending on the amount of insulation you already have installed.

If you are planning on selling your home in the near future, it is important to note that it is very common for buyers, especially in this economic client, to want to know the average monthly utilties. Sometimes the difference between a $100 and $200 monthly power bill may be the determining factor. Even if you aren't planning on moving soon, the updates will pay off in the long run.