Check your hot water heater's setting. If your family has an automatic dishwasher, the proper setting is 140 degrees; otherwise, 120 degrees is recommended. To maintain it, once a year, drain off a gallon or two from your hot water heater, using the valve near the bottom to facilitate doing this. Any sediments or deposits in your water can be drained off and your water heater will be able to perform more efficiently.

Insulation in your home is important too. Air conditioning and heating units can be functioning at their peak in a poorly insulated home and the occupants wouldn't be getting the benefit. With insulation in the ceiling or under the floor in a basement or crawl space, heated or cooled air stays in the home, rather than drifting through under-insulated spaces or cracks. Additionally, windows and doors should be checked to see that caulking and weather-stripping are in place.