Making your house more energy-efficient is a no-brainer. Doing so can eliminate wasteful costs, improve the economy and even help save the environment, according to The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE). The average home in the U.S. spends over $5,000 a year on energy alone, noted the news source.

Implement these five easy to remember cost-saving changes in your home to reduce your overall energy footprint: 

1. Install and upkeep proper home energy efficient insulation: Effective home insulation can help prevent heat escaping from your house, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. If your house was built without insulation, or needs better protection, insulation can also be blown in.

2. Let in natural light: Allow the sun to enter your home during the winter months to help heat your home. But in the summer, this kind of light can actually force your air conditioners and fans to work harder. Use light-colored window shades or blinds to reflect light during warmer weather, as noted by Energy.Gov.

3. Replace old furnaces and other appliances: According to the Green Home Guide, furnaces built before 1992 can waste about 35 percent of the fuel they use. Think about replacing dated electronics for maximum energy reduction. This could also speed up some of your cooking processes!

4. Turn on light timers: Close to 10 percent of home energy can be attributed to lighting. If you're not sitting in a room turn off the lights. Try and remember to shut off lights when you're gone for extended periods of time, and invest in light timers if this is a reoccurring problem. 

5. Use safe electronic power strips: Using a power strip can eliminate energy draining electronics like plugged in hair dryers, phone chargers or night lights. The ability to turn off numerous devices with one power switch could save you almost $100 a year.

Visit the Alban insurance website for more tips and resources or to consult home inspector contractors.