Two monthly expenses – refrigeration and water heating – make up almost 30 percent of your utility bill. Let’s look at what you can do in these areas to cut your energy costs.

Refrigeration. Here’s the easy solution: Buy the most energy-efficient model available.

But if you’re not ready to plunk down several hundred dollars for a new refrigerator, here are some things you can do now to start saving money.

Make sure the unit’s thermostat is set properly. Recommended settings are usually 40 degrees for the refrigerator and 5 degrees for the freezer. Wait about 12 hours after making the adjustments for the temperature to stabilize, then use a thermostat to make sure the settings are accurate.

If you have an old refrigerator or freezer in the garage or on the porch, get rid of it. These appliances tend to last a long time, and it’s common for people to keep their old one when they buy a new model. It may seem like you’re saving money to keep the old unit, but in reality it’s probably costing you $100 or more a year to keep it running.

If you need a second refrigerator or freezer, you would be better off buying a new energy-efficient model. The money saved on energy bills will more than pay the purchase price.

When you’re done cooking, let the food cool before putting it into the refrigerator.

Get out your vacuum cleaner or use a brush occasionally to dust the refrigerator’s motor, coil and exhaust vents. Dirt can cut airflow and greatly reduce the performance of the fridge.

Finally, make sure the fridge isn’t located near heat sources like the range and oven or even direct sunlight, which can cause the compressor to work harder to get rid of the heat.

Hot water. The easy answer: Buy a solar water-heating system. The sun doesn’t charge a monthly bill, so that free energy will help pay back the cost of the system. You also can consider water-heating alternatives like tankless water heaters, heat pumps, heat recovery units and other types of systems.

To save money today without buying a new heater, though, think about these tips:

Install aerators in the kitchen and bathroom faucets, and install low-flow shower heads. There are cheap, effective aerators that are easy to install and that still allow for a strong stream of water while helping reduce wasted hot water.

Take short showers instead of long baths. The energy savings can be huge.

Fix any water leaks. Even the simplest drip of hot water means you’re paying for a lot of wasted water, as well as the energy to heat it.

Don’t ignore even the smallest leaks in faucets and pipes.

When you see how easy it is to save money, you realize that you can’t afford not to do it.

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