With the economy taking a nosedive, the country taking a turn toward the “green” lifestyle and the hot summer months just around the corner, it seems as though everyone is trying to figure out the best ways to save money around the house while still remaining comfortable and cutting back on that all-important carbon footprint.

Aside from utilizing products and services bearing the Energy Star seal of approval (see related story for details), many steps can be taken in one’s day to day life to cut back on costs while still keeping the standard of living high.

Some of these you may have learned in grade school and forgotten by now. Others you may be hearing for the first time. Either way, here is a list of several sure-fire ways to give the wallet a little relief in the utilities department without altering your lifestyle.

Keep the sun out- One of the quickest ways to heat up the house is to let the sun do the job for you. Good in the winter months, but bad in the summer. Install shades, awnings or sunscreens on windows facing south and west to help keep the scorching rays at bay.

Adjust the thermostat- Believe it or not, adjusting the thermostat higher just two degrees in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter should save you a bundle. Also, remember to close off vents in unoccupied rooms and move the dial up or down a few extra pegs when nobody is going to be home.

Clean those filters- An air conditioner works best if it’s not sucking air through a clogged filter. This means a more efficient, quicker cycle period and less wasted energy. Clean or buy new filters regularly.

Give the fans a spin- Most people utilize ceiling fans as a means to cool off. Did you know this trick works well for heating up the house in the winter as well? Fans set to low help circulate the air whether it be cool or warm, so give this trick a whirl.

Full loads only- Whether it be the dishwasher or laundry machine, try to hold off on running either unless there’s a full load. And be sure to air dry for a few extra saved dollars as well. Extra fact: It’s more cost and energy efficient to use a dishwasher than wash the dishes by hand.

Cook quickly- Plan meals that require less stove time. Also, broiling is a plus since the oven won’t require pre-heating. Use pots that fit the eye of the stove to cut down on lost energy and give that oven window a good cleaning so you can check on simmering dishes without opening the door and letting out precious heat.

Size matters- If a crockpot, toaster oven or microwave can get the job done, use them. There’s no need to fire up the stove if a smaller, more efficient device can get it done just as well.

Bright ideas- For a little extra change up front, specially designed energy saving bulbs can save you quite a bundle in the long run and provide better quality lighting. Also, keep wattage in mind. Replace higher watt bulbs with lower ones for extra savings.

Mind the water- Not only should all drips and leaks be fixed for conservation of precious resources and some extra cash, but being mindful of regular water usage can be helpful as well. Take shorter showers instead of baths to use less water and, while shaving or brushing your teeth, remember to turn off the water when it’s not needed.

What a pane- Similar to utilizing blinds and overhangs, you can replace single-pane windows with double-pane, low-emissivity glass and vinyl frames to cut back on heat transfer and filter out the sunlight.

Keep a lid on it- For those with a fireplace, this luxury is often seen as an inexpensive way to warm the house without wasting electricity. But what about when the fireplace isn’t being used? Remember to close the damper and seal the opening shut to keep air, hot or cold, from escaping.

Everything’s ship shape- From weather stripping to door sweeps and window frames, make sure your home is well sealed. This helps keep the drafts out and your heated or cooled air in.

The golden rule- You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it bears repeating- If you aren’t using it, turn it off. From the TV and stereo to the computer and random lights, if it’s not being utilized, it’s just wasting energy and money. Being mindful of the small stuff can save you big on the electricity bill.