One of the easiest ways to save energy (and reduce you energy bill) is to execute one-and-done measures that require very little effort from you for day to day energy savings.
Compact Fluorescent Lamp bulbs are one of the absolute easiest way to reduce your immediate energy intake. Like regular incandescent bulbs, they require no upkeep. CFLs last twice as long as incandescents, so you will also save money on the number of bulbs you need to buy.
Because of their mercury content, CFL bulbs need to be disposed of properly (at a Home Depot or a CFL recycling center) and, if broken, they require meticulous cleanup. If you break bulbs often, it may be in your best interest to avoid CFLs.
In the winter, set your thermostat down to a temperature that you are comfortable with. If you get a little chilly, throw on a sweater. During summer with the AC on, turn the thermostat up and turn on some ceiling fans to circulate the cool air.
During the winter months, consider turning your thermostat down to around 58-60 degree Fahrenheit if you will be away from your home for extended periods of time. This ensures that you are not wasting power, and keeping your temperatures higher than 55 degrees ensures that your water pipes will not freeze.
Dropping the temperature on you hot water heater by 10 degrees Fahrenheit can reduce your energy costs by 3%. 120 degrees Fahrenheit is a common minimum temperature for a hot water tank.
Move Heat Sources Away From Thermostat
Electronics and high-wattage incandescent bulbs that throw off heat can influence the reading on your home thermostat if they are nearby.
Install Low-Flow Shower Heads
Low flow showerheads use much less water than common regular shower heads. Less shower water means it will reduce your heated water use.
Pay Your Bills Online
Paying your bills online reduces the amount of paper that needs to be produced and sent to your house. Also, it saves you money on envelopes and stamps.
Here are some energy saving tips that may require more of a commitment than just doing one thing and stopping at that.
Many household electronic devices (TVS, DVD players, etc) draw a small amount of standby power when shut off, usually 2-10 watts. A good solution to save on the wasted power is to plug these devices into a switchable power strip and shut it off when they are not being used.
Replace your furnace filter every 4-6 months. Filters get clogged with dust and debris, in turn reducing air flow through your ductwork.
Putting your PC into a standby mode can dramatically reduce power consumption. It only requires a few clicks (in Windows, Setting->Control Panel->Power Options) and your PC will handle the rest. It is recommended to put your PC into a standby mode at night when you go to sleep or when you will be away from it for a few hours.
Wash Clothes on Cold
Where possible, considering washing some of your clothes using cold water temperature instead of warm or hot. This saves in extra power needed to heat the water. Some clothes, such as jeans, actually last longer when washed cold.
Clean Dryer Lint Filter
Clean your dryer's lint filter after every load. This ensure you are getting maximum air flow through your dryer, which will allow your clothes to dry quicker and reduces the amount of time your dryer has to run.
Purchase Energy Star Appliances
Appliances and electronics labeled "Energy Star" signifies that they are voluntarily manufactured under a rigid governmental standard of energy efficiency.