Rising utility bills can be alarming, and rates aren't likely to go down anytime soon. Cutting back on your use of electricity can help rein costs in. Start with small efficiency upgrades and, as you start to see the benefits you can move on to bigger, more impactful ones. Knowing where to focus your attention can help you notice results fast.
1. Upgrade Your Windows and Doors
A lot of your climate-controlled comfort can escape through drafty old windows and doors. When that happens, you lose more than comfort. You are also wasting energy and the money spent on it. If your budget allows, replace older windows and doors with new, energy-efficient models. Don't worry about losing the charm of your older, wooden windows. You can easily add removable wooden window grids to recreate that look in a more energy-conscious window.

If new windows and doors aren't in your budget this year, you can still take action. Add storm doors to help reduce drafts and energy consumption. Plastic window film kits are easy to install and can help reduce heat loss during colder months.

2. Increase the Insulation
Insulation creates a barrier that slows the transfer of air between spaces. It is usually found in exterior walls, attics and under your floors. Unfortunately, many older homes have inadequate insulation -or none at all. Solve this by adding some where it is needed. Learn about the types of insulation that are available to you and what would be best given your home's structure and the access you have to each area.

3. Swap Out Old Lights
One of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make is swapping out traditional incandescent bulbs for new LED ones. Compared side by side, LED bulbs use about 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. While saving a few dollars per bulb over the course of a year may not seem like much, it can add up to hundreds of dollars when you consider all the lights in and around your home.

4. Add a Programmable Thermostat
For most people, heating and cooling make up the biggest part of your household utility bills, so cutting back can add up to big savings. A programmable or smart thermostat allows you to heat and cool the house when you need to, and not when you aren't home to appreciate it. A change of seven degrees over eight hours of each day can reduce your heating costs by as much as 10%.

The right efficiency upgrades can help reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills. While some involve major renovations, others can be done in a couple of hours for results you will see in next month's bills.