Quick tips: 20 Simple Ways To Save Energy and Money
Here are some basic things you can do to use energy more efficiently:

1. Insulate pipes, walls, attic and floors.
Outside air penetrating your house can zap up to 40 percent of a home's energy load. Look for gaps and seal them. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.

2. If your faucets drip, that's money down the drain. A dripping faucet can waste up to 2,202 gallons per month!

3. Turn lights, appliances, stereos, TVs etc. off if not in use.

4. Install storm or thermal windows and doors.

5. Run dishwashers, washers and dryers only when fully loaded.

6. Wash clothes in cold water when possible. Over 70% of the cost of washing a load of laundry is in heating the water. This can save you up to 25¢ per load.

7. Keep your heating and air system running well with clean filters and annual service checks, and keep the outdoor unit clear of grass, leaves and other debris.

8. For real energy efficiency, compact fluorescent lights are the best choice. They cost more to purchase, but they use 25 to 33 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They provide the same quality of light as incandescents and give off less heat.

9. Use air-dry setting on your dishwasher.

10. Take showers instead of baths.

11. Install a low-flow showerhead.

12. Keep the lint trap and vent hose on your clothes dryer clean.

13. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming winter temperature at 65 degrees at night, then back to 72 degrees during the day, can save up to 15 percent on heating bills.

14. Set your water heater to 120 degrees.

15. Make sure the registers and vents for your heating / cooling system are not obstructed by furniture, rugs or other objects.

16. Use ceiling fans running forward in summer to create a breeze and running in reverse in winter to help circulate heated air.

17. Keep your refrigerator and freezer door seals in good shape.

18. Turn on the light.
The oven light, that is! Opening the oven door lets up to 20% of the heat escape. Look through the window or use a cooking timer.

19. If you have a pool, run the pump the minimum time needed to get the desired results.

20. Teach Your Kids! Knowing how to save energy will benefit them all their lives.