Want to knock an easy $60 off your annual electric bill?

Begin changing the lights in your home from incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs -- the unusual-looking spiral ones.

Fluorescent lights are more expensive -- $30 for a 12-pack is pretty typical. But they save money in the long run by using 75% less electricity and lasting up to 10 times longer.

"Each family would save about $60 a year in energy costs if they changed out just five high-use light fixtures," says Will Hartmann, COO and founder of HomeSavvi.com.

He recommends changing out lights in the kitchen, hallway and outdoor fixtures first, then moving on to less frequently used rooms.

Want to save more?

Stop washing clothes in hot, or even warm, water.

"There's no reason to spend money heating water for the wash when you can get clothes just as clean washing them in cold water," says Leah Ingram, eco expert and blogger behind The Lean Green Family.

The savings will be significant, because 90% of the energy that goes into washing clothes is used to heat the water.

We think it's important to look for ways to reduce your utility bills before cold weather arrives.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says families using natural gas could see a 30% to 50% increase in their heating bills this winter. Those who burn fuel oil should expect to pay 50% to 100% more.

That is going to stretch many family budgets to the breaking point.

Our 7 smart moves to lower your energy use can provide even more help.