The only thing rising faster than the thermometer these days are utility bills. You can do plenty of things around the house to save energy and ultimately money. The projects you take on will depend on the budget you are willing to spend, but even for a small investment, you can make a big difference.

The first thing you can do is plug the tiny gaps and cracks around your home to keep the hot air outside where it belongs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leakage through holes, gaps and cracks is the single largest cause of residential heating and cooling loss, accounting for approximately 30 percent to 50 percent of the energy used in most homes. Caulk and weatherstrip all seams, cracks and openings to the outside. Consider using a weather-resistant foam sealant if sealing in a visible place. It resists moisture and can be sanded, painted and stained for a more appealing look. This will help reduce your cooling costs by up to 20 percent.

Another easy project to do is to clean or replace air filters. Dirty air filters cause the AC unit to work harder than necessary. You should change them every 30 to 60 days depending on the air quality in your home and if you have pets. You can save up to $100 a year by changing them out regularly.

Also consider using window film or window insulation kits if you don’t have Energy Star-rated windows. This will help keep the cool air in and the warm air out. On average, it can save you about $17 per window annually on your electric bill.

Portable AC units and box fans are a good way to keep cool air circulating throughout the house. You also could install a ceiling fan to help spread the air around. If you already have a ceiling fan, don’t forget to change the direction of the blades to counterclockwise to create a downward airflow and cooling breeze.

It may seem odd to replace your light bulbs to make it cooler, but incandescent bulbs generate a lot of heat. More efficient bulbs such as CFLs and LEDs supply just as much light, but use far less electricity. LEDs use up to 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last more than 20 years. Quick tips to save energy with lighting is to always turn off lights when you leave a room, use motion-activated lighting in low-use areas such as closets and outside and change out your dimmer switches with eco-friendly ones.

Other projects include installing a programmable thermostat, which can save up to $180 a year in energy costs when used properly, and making sure you have enough insulation in your attic.

Taylor Reich is the manager of the Sunset Hills Home Depot store.