You get your utility bill every month, and there never seems to be any respite. Whether you're cooling the house in the summer or heating it in the winter, energy costs keep the bill high. What's needed is a plan for making your home more energy efficient. Keep your temperature comfortable while reducing your utility costs.

Seal Any Cracks

The first step in your energy efficiency plan is doing an overall inspection of your home. Focus especially on windows and doors. Look for any cracks or gaps in the sealer around the windows and doors. Repair or replace the seals, as necessary. What's more, Better Homes and Gardens recommends you check your insulation to ensure it meets or even exceeds local codes. The more warm or cool air you keep in your home, the less money you have to spend maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Tint Your Windows

The next step in making your home energy-efficient is to have your windows tinted. Residential window film allows the natural sunlight to filter into your home. However, it can keep out UV rays, which are harmful to your furniture and other interior surfaces. There are several options in window films to accommodate your needs. Low-E tinting retains warmth in the winter while reflecting some sun in the summer. If cooling is more of a concern for you, look for sun control films. This type of tinting reduces the glare while reflecting the sun out. Using this kind of window tinting, especially for south-facing windows, can significantly reduce your cooling costs. Click here to learn more about window tinting.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

The catch phrase "There's an app for that" is true even when it comes to your utilities. Have a programmable thermostat installed. Depending on the model, you can set it up for different times of day and can even input a vacation mode. Many models can be controlled from a smartphone. Program the thermostat so that the house isn't being heated or cooled unnecessarily while you're away from home or sleeping.

Plan Your Activities

In that vein, plan any heat-producing activities accordingly. While not a home improvement, slight changes in your routine can affect your utility bills. For example, avoid doing any heat-producing activities – such as cooking or running the clothes dryer – during the heat of a summer day. Instead, grill outside or hang the clothes to dry on a line. Conversely, use the oven and clothes dryer during prime time in the winter to provide a little ambient heat.

With an energy efficiency plan in place, you can reduce your utility costs significantly.