Who couldn’t use some help lowering their utility bills? The average household pays $110.14 a month for electricity alone, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That works out to more than $1,321 a year, and when you add in water and trash service, that’s a pretty penny going out of your bank account. Here are six home improvements that are fairly simple to make and will save you big bucks in the long run:

Upgrade Appliances

The top energy-sucking appliances in your home are the air conditioner, fans, water heater, dishwasher, furnace and the washer/dryer. You probably use at least three of these appliances every day. It’s true that your outdated appliances may work just fine, but you pay higher energy bills to operate inefficient appliances. Save money when you replace worn out models with Energy Star-rated ones.

Replace Accessories

Change small accessories around your house to make a big impact. High-efficiency toilets cost the same as traditional toilets, but they save a family of four 8,760 gallons of water every year, according to toolbase.com. Likewise, install a low-flow shower head, and use 15,000 gallons less water per person, advises houselogic.com. Find more savings in the kitchen when you install an efficient faucet aerator. Like the toilet and shower head, it reduces drips and includes a concentrated spray. All three of these home accessories are easy and affordable to replace and provide big savings.

Program Thermostats

Install programmable thermostats that adjust the temperature for you. Regular models cost from $60 to $120, or buy smart thermostats you can adjust via the Internet for $275 to $400. Energy Star estimates this switch could save you $180 a year.

Reduce Drafts

Light a candle—not to be romantic, but to check for drafts. If the flame flickers when you hold it near baseboards, window frames, electrical outlets, vents or doors, you have drafts. Seal them shut with caulk and weatherstripping. Energy.gov reports that reducing drafts can cut your energy bills by 30 percent.

Unplug Anything on Standby

Your coffeemaker, alarm clocks, cellphone chargers and TV pull electricity even when they’re turned off. Unplug as many appliances and electronics as possible to save money. Huffington Post reports that you could save up to 10 percent in energy costs just by unplugging everything on standby.

Fix Gutters

Water from rain or snow storms typically flows through the gutters and downspouting and away from your home’s foundation. But if your gutters are clogged, the water could potentially flood the basement or crack your home’s foundation. Pay $180, Home Advisor’s national average for a professional gutter cleaner, and install gutter guards. The alternative is a $4,337 foundation repair, which makes fixing gutters highly economical by comparison.

These six simple home improvements should put big savings in your pocket. Then, use the money you save to pay off your mortgage, save for retirement or continue improving your home. Which project will you tackle first?

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