It's October and that means it's Energy Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to highlight the importance of using energy responsibly. Here are five common household energy-wasting habits that you should be aware of. If they sound familiar, take action now to change your habits and start saving energy.

1. Leaving the lights on in empty rooms

This energy-wasting habit is one of the most common and, luckily, one that's easy to fix. Simply turning off lights when you leave a room will save energy and help your bulbs last longer. To save even more, install energy-efficient LEDs. They use at least 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs and last a lot longer.

2. Not adjusting your thermostat

Adjusting your home's temperature at night or when you are away is the most cost-effective way to save energy, but it's easy to forget. Programmable thermostats optimize savings by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. Today's smart models provide advanced features like remote control and self-programming.

3. Taking long showers

Did you know that standard showerheads use 2.5 to 3.0 gallons per minute? Just think of all the water and energy those 20-minute showers send down the drain. Everyone likes a hot shower, but keep it to 10 minutes or less. Also, install WaterSense®-labeled showerheads, which use less water than standard units.

4. Running partial loads

Operating your dishwasher or clothes washer with just a few dishes or a small amount of clothes may sometimes be convenient, but it's a big waste of energy. Wait until your appliance is fully loaded according to the manufacturer's guidelines before you flip the switch. Your clothes or dishes will be thoroughly cleaned, and you'll save energy and water.

5. Forgetting to change your furnace filter

A dirty air filter forces your heating or cooling system to work harder to keep you comfortable. Change your furnace filter regularly according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Remember to have your heating and cooling system inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.

Change can be difficult. However, with a little extra time and effort, you can save energy and money this month and all year long.