You don't have to pay huge utility bills in the dog days of summer. Try these few smart solutions below to reduce water and energy consumption. You'll save money and help the environment at the same time.

Recycle wash water
Use wash water from fruits and vegetables or the first run of cold water -- when bathing or showering -- to water indoor or outdoor plants.

Prevent window drafts
If your windows are real energy-leakers, use the National Fenestration Rating Council's (NFRC) energy performance label to find the best solution for your needs and budget. Go to www.nfrc.org.

Upgrade shades and blinds
Block the heat and UV rays but keep the view with solar shades such as Graber LightWeaves Solar Shades, www.graberblinds.com. Light colored shade fabrics are best for temperature control.

Try a digital programmable thermostat
Program a digital thermostat to drop the temperature during the day when you're out and after your family goes to sleep at night, to substantially reduce gas bills.

Retire old appliances
Replace major appliances that are more than 10 years old. Use the energy efficiency information on the yellow EnergyGuide labels as a shopping guide. Choose ENERGY STAR? certified appliances, which reduce the average household's energy expenses by 30 percent. Visit www.energystar.gov for a list of products.

Choose low-energy lighting
Lighting accounts for around 20 percent of the electricity consumed in the United States. Avoid energy-guzzling, heat-generating incandescent bulbs. A 60-watt bulb has an energy cost of $48 per 10,000 hours, and 85 to 90 percent of the electricity it uses is turned into heat. Opt for compact fluorescent ones (CFL) instead, like the ENERGY STAR Compact Fluorescent light bulbs and save about 25 percent of your energy cost.

Replace traditional recessed lights with more energy efficient ICAT (Insulation Contact, Air Tight) ones, which reduce the air flow from the ceiling into the living space.

Conduct a home-energy audit
Find out if your utility money is going out the window or down the drain. Take a free home-energy audit at the Home Energy Saver site (http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/vh.shtml) just by inputting your ZIP code and basic information about your home.

The audit will show you the best ways to save energy in your home and provide resources to make the savings happen, with recommendations on heating, cooling, major appliances, lighting, and remodeling.