If you're like most people, you like to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, running your heater or air conditioner constantly uses a lot of energy, and your electric and gas bills can seriously add up over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your energy costs to save money without having to sacrifice comfort. Try these helpful tips, and watch the savings roll in.

• Check window and door seals. Doors and windows are among the worst culprits for allowing inside air to escape, so it's important to check the seals around them on a regular basis. Inspect them once at the beginning of the summer and again going into winter. Watch for any cracks, broken seals, and other signs of deterioration. In general, replacing these seals is not very expensive, and this small repair can make a big difference in your energy bills over time.

• Upgrade your insulation. Your roof is another common area for cool air and warmth to escape. While your home was likely built with insulation in the roof, the insulation materials can deteriorate over time, causing them to be less effective at regulating the internal temperature of your home. Rodent and other pest activity in your attic can also wreak havoc on your insulation, as these little critters use the materials to make their nests. Especially if your home is older, you may need to upgrade your insulation, as technology has come a long way over the decades.

• Use a programmable thermostat. If you keep your home at a constant temperature throughout the day, you're likely wasting a lot of energy when you aren't even at home. Rather than having to remember to adjust the thermostat before you leave for work each morning and when you return home in the evenings, invest in a thermostat that you can program. This way, you'll be able to let your house get a bit hotter or colder while you are away, then have it come back to a comfortable temperature before you get back. By shutting off your system when you are out of the house, you can reduce your energy consumption dramatically.

Of course, the old standby tips of opening windows in the summer and putting on an extra layer in the winter still hold true and can help you reduce your energy costs even further. It's all about striking a balance between comfort and affordability to find what works best for you.