According to the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program, a programmable thermostat can save the average homeowner about $180 a year in energy costs. But the key thing is that you use the thermostat properly. One common error is having furniture blocking the thermostat, which can block airflow and cause false readings. Another mistake is placing a thermostat in the path of direct sun shining through a window; this can cause the thermostat to read the home as extra warm, which forces it to run air conditioning in the summer or to not turn the heat on at all in the winter.

Twenty-five percent of your home's heat can escape through cracks, crevices and leaks in and around windows and doors. One of the biggest culprits? In-window air conditioning units. Now is a good time to remove these units and put them into storage. If that isn't feasible, do the next best thing: Wrap them up. Cover the unit in insulation, wrap it in plastic sheeting and use all-weather tape to secure it in place. You can also buy air conditioner covers that are designed to fit snugly around the unit from your home improvement store.

You've heard of the idea of building a better mousetrap, right? Well, sometimes trapping these small creatures isn't humane, so why not repel them from your home? In lieu of poison, try to figure out where mice might be making entry into your home. Make a bundle of loose animal fur (from a cat or dog) mixed with dried mint. The combination of the two scents is a natural deterrent and may help prevent them from roosting in your home.