Consumer Reports has a helpful breakdown of the typical utility bill and some useful tips for how to shave a few dollars off each bill. (There's also a video version produced by CBS4 in Boston if you prefer watching to reading.)

I was surprised that 11 percent of the utility bill goes to heating the hot water, and I'm sure it gets more expensive the further you are from the equator. Most of these tips -- such as turning down the temperature on the water heater and using the dishwasher instead of washing by hand -- are accomplished in a few minutes and won't disrupt your daily routine.

A not insignificant energy waster is leaving the electronics components such as the TV, stereo, and monitors plugged in all night. There are timers that you can plug into the outlet so that you can shut everything down such as this Timex gadget. I'm guessing it would take several months to a year for the cost to be paid back.

Maybe homes of the future will have this function integrated into a master control panel. I'd much prefer being able to program it online rather than having to bend down and either turn off the power strip or unplug the devices.