According to literature distributed by the state Department of Environmental Protection Stay Warm Pennsylvania program, the average American family spends close to $1,862 annually on utility bills.

To help reduce those expenses, the agency recommends taking these steps:

• Raise thermostat temperatures to 76 to 78 degrees in the summer and lower them to 66 to 68 degrees in the winter to save up to $29 a year.• Reduce the use of appliances, turning them off when not in use. Look for ways to utilize daylight, reducing the time lights are on.• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater: Every degree lowered can save $4 a year.• Close vents in unused rooms to save $100 a year.• Cleaning the dryer lint filter after every use can save up to $66 a year.• Taking showers instead of baths can save up to $28 a year.• Cover windows on winter nights with insulated curtains. It could save up to $24 a year.• Wrapping the hot water heaters in an insulation blanket could save up to $20 a year.

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which are more energy-efficient and last longer than traditional bulbs. If you replace 25 percent of the lights in high-use areas, you can cut your lighting energy bill by about 50 percent.• When used properly, a programmable thermostat can save about $100 a year.• Caulk, seal and weather-strip all seams, cracks and openings to the outside. Reducing air leaks can save 10 percent or more on energy bills, and caulking openings between heated and unheated spaces can save up to $40 a year.• Windows can account for 10 percent to 25 percent of your heating or air conditioning bill. Install double-pane windows with high-performance glass or install storm windows, which can reduce heat loss through windows by 25 to 50 percent a year. Estimated savings for a typical home from replacing single-pane windows with Energy Star qualified windows is about $300.• Look for the Energy Star label when buying appliances. You can save up to $80 a year by changing to appliances that have earned the Energy Star designation.• Invest in a good insulating system. Adding insulation in the attic, basement, floors and walks is a good way to improve efficiency. Upgrading the attic alone can save up to $300 a year. Insulating the basement can save up to $160.• Conduct a home energy audit on your own or by using a trained professional. Check your home's insulation system; holes or cracks around walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches and electrical outlets. Also, make sure appliances and heating and cooling systems are maintained and working properly.