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One thing is certain in our market economy: costs continue to increase each year for the American consumer, especially energy costs. Due to divisive accounting practices, turmoil in the Middle East and third world countries, high oil prices, and America's wastefulness, the New Year will probably ring in even higher electric bills. Americans insist on driving bulky vehicles that burn gas inefficiently, and many have poorly insulated homes.

The good news is that you can limit energy costs by reducing consumption. How? Besides driving less and getting fuel efficient vehicles, you can do a few things around your home, and here is how.

HEATING AND COOLING YOUR HOME:

Lower the thermostat. In the winter keep it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and lower it to 58 degrees or lower at night. For comfort, you can use extra blankets to cover at night. On extra cold days layer your clothing. Remember to wear sweaters and socks during the day.

You can save even more by adding a humidifier. If you cannot afford one, simply set a few pans of hot water in different rooms of the house. The water escapes into the air, and the air in turn retains heat. So you may even be able to lower the thermostat an additional 3 to 5 degrees and still feel warm.

In the summer keep the thermostat at 78 degrees and turn on ceiling fans to circulate the air. This could save you up to 2 percent on your air conditioning cost. Moving the air with fans makes the air feel cooler as it moves around the room and against your skin. By using ceiling fans throughout the house you may be able to raise the thermostat another 3 degrees without affecting your comfort level.

Change the air conditioning filters often. In the summer change the filter at least once a month to allow air flow. This keeps the air conditioner from working too hard, thus saving on electricity.

If you do not have lined draperies, get thermal curtain liners to hang with the curtains. In the evening close the curtains to retain heat in the house. In the mornings draw back the curtains and let the sun bask the rooms with its warm sun rays.

LIGHTING:

Next, you can replace as many incandescent light bulbs that are lighting your home with the new fluorescent bulbs. Not only do these light bulbs use less electricity, but they last many times longer than the regular light bulbs.

For added savings, turn the lights off as you leave the room. In the wintertime close off any unused rooms.

INSULATION:

If you can afford it and have an older home, insulate

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