Many utility companies, cities and counties offer programs to help homeowners reduce monthly bills for gas and electricity. Some of these programs are available only to those who are disabled, elderly or with limited incomes, but other programs are open to everyone. Call your utility provider for information. 

If you don't qualify for such a program, you can probably trim 20 percent or more from your utility expenses by putting some common-sense principles to work. Enlist the entire family in the effort to turn out lights when leaving a room. Let everyone know what the current utility charge is, and then see how much you can whittle from it by the next bill.

Check the thermostat setting on your water heater. Turning it down a few degrees will result in a noticeable savings.  

Water the lawn during the cooler parts of the day when your efforts don't evaporate so quickly. Use fans to cool or heat individual rooms by moving air from other parts of the house. If you use window air conditioners, position a stand fan in front of it to push the cool air further into the house. Simple weather stripping on doors and windows alone will decrease your heating and cooling costs by more then ten percent. 

A flow-constrictor kit costs less than $5 and will easily cut $10 from your monthly water and gas bills. Most home improvement and hardware stores sell these easy-to-install kits for both faucets and showerheads. Also, check with your water company to see if they offer flow-constrictor kits for free to their customers. Some water companies offer rebates if you buy a water-saving toilet, and some even offer the toilets at no charge.  

If you expect to stay in your home for at least three more years, consider more costly improvements. Better insulation, an energy-saving water hater, a solar energy system--these improvements can save a great deal over the long haul, and may make you eligible for special rebates from local utility providers or governmental agencies.