Think you need to purchase all new appliances, redo your windows or install solar to save energy? You’d be surprised at how little changes, often simple and inexpensive, can add up to a decent chunk of energy savings. And just think, if you could save 10%, the average family would have an extra $190 a year for something way more fun than the electric bill– and feel good about doing your part for the planet.

So before you tackle those bigger projects, make sure you’ve checked these items off the list.

1. Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees.

Don’t worry, I didn’t know how to do that either. It’s actually pretty simple. If you have gas, it’s near the bottom of the tank. If you have electric, it’s often behind a panel. If you have the manual, it will explain how. There are also good “How To’s’ for this online. Here’s one good explanation from EnergySavers.gov.

2. Turn your heat down to 67 (or lower if you are a hearty soul).

You would be surprised how your body adjusts to the lower temperature. The first few days may feel a bit chilly so grab a sweater, but you’ll get used to it over time and anything higher will start to feel hot.

3. Use drapes, blinds and shutters proactively.

If it’s hot, shut them during the day. If it’s cold, open them during the day to gain heat from the sun and close them at night to keep warm air in.

4. Skip the “Dry” cycle or use the “No Heat” dry button on your dishwasher.

I didn’t believe it at first, but my dishes actually look fine and are equally clean—and it reduces energy used for washing dishes by 7%.

5. Turn off your computer & monitor and unplug those chargers

The “sleep” mode lulls you into thinking it isn’t using electricity, but one day with a watt meter attached and you’ll realize how much energy drains even in that mode. And unplug your chargers when they are not in use. It’s a hard habit to break, but just picture a river of electricity flowing out of the cord every time you see one still attached to the wall.

6. Install smart power strips.

While you’re tackling the computer, don’t forget your TV, sound system, etc. Flat-screen Plasma/HiDef TV’s consume a significant amount of energy, even in passive mode. There are smart power strips that enable you to turn off the TV, but keep the DVR going so you can still have the latest episodse of Wonderpets and American Idol and save energy.

7. Switch from incandescents to LEDs and CFLs.

Yes, I know—you are tired of hearing about them, hate the color, the mercury freaks you out, the thought of paying $39.95 for an LED light-bulb is unfathomable, etc. But they really do save a lot of energy–a whopping 80% by most life cycle assessments and the average home has dozens of lights so you will save money. They also last a really long time, so it’s a huge bonus to use them for any light that requires a ladder.

And of course, turn off the lights when you leave a room. My husband is laughing as I write this because I seem to always leave one on somewhere and he is a light-turning-off zealot. What’s worked well for sloppy light-turner-offers like me are motion sensor in places like closets and timers for outside lights.

8. Try and reduce your auto miles.

Whether it’s through combining trips, telecommuting more, carpooling one day a week to school/work/activities, picking places to go closer to home, or figuring out that bus/train schedule near you, less driving offers one of the biggest opportunities to reduce energy and save money–and if you are walking or biking–get healthy. If you are struggling to find a way to share rides or stay organized when you do, check out GoLoco, an online service that connects you to your friends and friends of friends for ride sharing.

9. Wash your clothes in cold water; clean the lint filter in your dryer.

Even if you just moved from hot to warm water, you would cut energy use by 50% in the washer. And if you don’t have a dryer with a moisture sensor, be careful not to overdry. And always clean the lint trap to keep drying times shorter. If you are in a warm climate area or it’s summer time, consider line drying. I haven’t made the leap, but it’s on my list for the future.

10. Get a professional energy audit.

Sometimes the biggest energy losses in a home are hidden behind the walls or near the pipes. A professional audit will give you a roadmap for where your greatest efficient opportunities might exist and you might be surprised how a little investment will produce a big return. Our audit highlighted opportunities to wrap our ductwork, seal up cracks, and improve insulation in several spots. Some companies will even do some of the work after the audit and some of that work qualifies for a tax credit this year.

To get more ideas, there are great energy saving resources online including the US Department of Energy’s Energy Saver’s website and the Natural Resources Defense Councils Simple Steps site.