Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, sometimes it seems that the bills grow every month and no matter what you do, you just cannot get a handle on it. Or can you? Some of these cost and energy savings start with simple daily habits.

A little bit of energy efficiency can both save you money and help save our planet. If you are a homeowner, then you can often replace your old appliances with new energy-efficient models and be a winner in at least three separate ways: 1) You can reduce your energy bills; 2) You might qualify for energy rebates or tax credits; and 3) Yes, you help to save our planet!

You can be effective by just swapping a few lightbulbs and purchasing certain small appliances and electronics. For instance, a microwave can use up to 80% less energy than conventional ovens, and Energy Star-certified TVs save on electricity even when they are off.

You can start saving money and our planet a little bit each day. Showers use less water and take less fuel to heat that water than baths. Even the way you store your leftovers in the fridge can help; cover food tightly with plastic wrap or click-close containers to prevent moisture from overworking the cooling system. On a sunny day, let the sun help heat your home. Do not waste energy heating empty rooms. Keep the thermostat at a low level (50 degrees); close doors; and use a single oil-filled electric radiator to heat the room your family congregates in. Lower your thermostat two degrees when going to bed, and let your blankets keep you warm.

Save electricity with lighting. Purchase energy-efficient lightbulbs such as compact fluorescent or LED bulbs; they will produce more light and use less wattage. Light placement is important; putting a light over a work area, like a desk, instead of lighting an entire room needlessly is much more efficient than overhead lights. Putting lamps in corners and against light-colored walls will let more of the light bounce into the room. Wipe down lampshades and bulbs routinely to keep them shining brighter. Consider multiple light sources in areas like family rooms so that you do not need more than one light on at a time. Use photoelectric sockets, controls or timers on outdoor lightings, such as over the doorway, so that the light turns off automatically during the day. Solar-charged motion-detector lights are a terrific way to light up a walkway or driveway.

Homeowners can save energy and money on utility bills with little to no investment just with the simple maintenance of heating systems: routinely draining water heaters (only a small amount) to reduce sludge buildup, replacing old wall thermostats and choosing thermal-backed drapes. Minimal and low-cost projects can include attic, ceiling or window fans to help circulate the air in your home, using a thermostat with a timer, lowering the thermostat in the winter or raising it in the summer by as little as one or two degrees, and insulating hot water pipes. Double-paned glass windows and storm windows can help cut down on drafts; so will under-door air blockers and weather-stripping around windows and doors. Remember to change out the screens for glass panels on storm doors in the winter.

If you are in the market for new appliances, be sure to check for "Energy-Star Certification" on the appliance tag. Home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, and home freezers can eat up kilowatt-hours and raise the electricity bills -- but the simple certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides clear information on cost and energy efficiency. By running full loads in your washing machine, dryer and dishwasher, you will use less water and energy. By setting your washer on warm/hot wash and cool rinse, not overdrying in your clothes dryer, and using air-dry in your dishwasher, you will significantly cut down on electricity and your hot water use.