According to EnergyStar.gov, the average American household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of that amount spent on heating and cooling. Here are six easy, low-cost ideas to cut those bills down.

1. Change your air filters. It’s a chore that’s easily forgotten, so put it on your calendar every one month to three months. Dirty filters slow air flow causing your heat and air conditioning units to work harder and break down faster.

2. Wash clothes in cold water. This one’s a surprise, but energystar.gov claims that cold water saves energy and can be just as effective as hot. For dark, bright colors that bleed or delicate fabrics, use cold water (80°F). For man-made fibers, knits and jeans, use warm water (90°F). For whites, typical dirty clothes and diapers, hot water (130°F or above) is best to remove germs and heavy soil.

3. Seal and insulate your heating and cooling ducts. Air ducts can waste energy, so sealing and insulation can save as much as 20 percent on our energy bill or more.

4. Seal windows and outside doors. All it takes is a little caulk and you can stop small leaks that add up to big money. Test for leaks on a windy day by lighting a candle and holding it near window seals. If the flame moves, you’ve got a leak.

5. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat. If you’re gone at the same time every day, a programmable thermostat can lower or raise the temperature which saves energy… and saves, you nearly $200 a year.

6. Have your HVAC serviced regularly. A service check of you Air Conditioner in the spring and your furnace in the fall can improve efficiency and possibly prevent equipment breakdowns. The technician will test air flow and parts that may need replacement.