As we know, 17 percent of all energy used goes into running our homes. Consequently, the potential for substantial energy savings is high, provided homeowners take the necessary steps. The benefits apply particularly to older homes and are higher than new homes.

Here are some tips that can save hundreds of dollars:

– Compact fluorescent bulbs use a quarter of the energy of standard incandescent bulbs, so a 15-watt CFL produces the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. An international marketing symbol for identifying energy-efficient household products, Energy Star-certified compact fluorescent lamps are more expensive than incandescent bulbs but last longer.

With an average of 30 light fixtures in each of the country’s 12 million homes, replacing a single 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 15-watt CFL in each could save up to $73 million a year in energy costs.

– Energy Star appliances make a big difference in the efficiency of your home.

Refrigerators certified under the program must be at least 15 percent more efficient than federal minimum energy performance standards, which they typically achieve by using a more energy-efficient compressor and better insulation than conventional models. Full-size Energy Star freezers must exceed minimum energy efficiency standards by at least 10 percent, while compact models must exceed them by at least 20 percent.

Qualified dishwashers must exceed the standard by at least 25 percent.

Many use “smart” sensors that adjust the wash cycle and amount of water to match the load, and may also have an internal heater.

– About 15 percent of a typical home’s energy bill goes to heating water.

The water heater is one of the largest energy consumers in many homes, second only to the furnace. If you have an older hot water appliance, you can save by insulating the heater, the first ten feet on the cold water pipes, and the first two feet on the hot water pipes. Also, many water heater manufacturers set the tank temperature at 140 F (60 C), which can drop as much as 130 F (55 C).

– Look for ways to reduce your water use. A low-flow showerhead can reduce shower water use by more than 30 percent, and installing faucet aerators can give you the same pressure with less water flow.

You can reduce the energy you use for a load of laundry by 93 percent by washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water. You can also reduce your water use by installing a low-flow toilet.

– Older homes can usually benefit from modernizing to keep warm.

Adding R-40 insulation, caulking, weather stripping, upgrading windows and doors can save money and energy. Poorly insulated attics are good candidates for improvement; If yours has less than six inches (15 centimeters) of insulation, it’s worth adding more.

Insulating bases will also reduce heat loss.