Reducing utility costs and making your home more energy-efficient can be costly and time consuming. Here are 5 quick-fixes for short-term energy savings!

1.Inspect the indoor / outdoor caulking around the electrical hoses and water pipes entering your home. Fill any holes or gaps with temporary caulking to better insulate your home.

2.  Install cost-effective insulation gaskets and child-proof covers for unused electricity outlets.

3. Repair water heater leaks. A dripping tap will waste over 2,000 liters a month. Install low-flow fixtures for around $10 to reduce water bills by 60%.

4. Turn down your thermostat by 1 degree and reduce your heating bill by 10%. Get chilly? Snuggle up with a blanket or a loved one.

5.Buy a clapper! At $5.99 this cost-effective energy saver will reduce your utility costs by turning off unneeded lighting.