Energy and water costs are commonly the largest single housing expense after food and shelter for many families, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, spending about $1,300 on average each year for utility bills.

• Perform a home energy checkup to see how much money you can save and pollution you can cut.

• See how energy efficient appliances stack up in the "energy Olympics."

• Home Energy Audits 101 - what you should know before you hire. 

• Finding energy-efficient appliances with the DOE's EnergyStar^® program

There are a number of controllable factors that contribute to higher energy bills:

• Size of your home
  
• Efficiency of major appliances (e.g. refrigerator, hot water heater, air conditioner)
  
• Whether your home is sealed and insulated properly
  
• Number and kinds of lights
  
• Thermostat settings
  
• Number of loads of laundry

For more information:

• Use this online calculator from the Department of Energy to find out how to cut your bills.
  
• Consumers Tips to Help Reduce Heating Oil, Natural Gas, Gasoline Price "$ticker $hock."