If you’re interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle or you’re trying to cut back on expenses, a great way to start is by saving electricity. Don’t worry—reducing the amount of electricity you use does not mean you have to read books by candle light or give up your favorite TV shows, it simply means you have to start incorporating some of these changes into your daily routine:

Use natural light.

Instead of flipping that switch to turn on the overhead light, why not open the curtains and let the sun light up the room? Using natural light will drastically reduce the amount of electricity you use. Another benefit? Natural light has been scientifically proven to make you happier than artificial light, so your smile will be beaming almost as bright as the light in your room.

Unplug.

When a device or appliance is not in use, there’s no need for it to be plugged into the wall. Unplug devices as you finish with them so you can cut off the power supply and conserve electricity. If you don’t want to take the time to unplug each individual device, buy a power strip and plug as many devices as possible into it. When you leave the room, simply switch off the power strip instead of unplugging each device.

Adjust the temperature.

Every time you leave the house, make sure you are adjusting the thermostat so it doesn’t continue to run at the same level while you are away. Changing the temperature between 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day will help you save about 10% on your annual heating and cooling bill. It would be helpful if you invested in a programmable thermostat, which allows you to preset temperatures so you don’t have to remember to do one more thing before you walk out the door.

Air dry your laundry.

If you’re not in a hurry to dry your load of laundry, consider hanging the items up on a clothesline or drying rack instead of putting them in the dryer. If you don’t want to waste time waiting for your clothes to air dry, you should always use the “moisture sensor” option on your dryer. This will ensure your dryer shuts off when your clothes are dry instead of continuing to run until the set time is up.

Check your insulation.

Ask a contractor to inspect the amount of insulation you currently have in your home, especially in the attic, crawlspaces, and walls. If you have it in your budget, consider adding insulation based on the contractor’s recommendation. Properly insulated homes don’t let air escape, so the heating and cooling system doesn’t have to use as much electricity to keep you comfortable.

If you’re not quite ready to make the leap and call a contractor, you should at least check the areas around your windows and doors for holes. These can be sealed without the help of a professional with caulk or weatherstripping from at your local hardware store.

As you can see, learning how to conserve energy doesn’t have to be difficult. You also don’t have to make major changes to your lifestyle in order to save electricity. Incorporate some (or all) of these tips into your daily lifestyle, and watch as the savings pile up!