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Tips to Save Energy and Keep More Money in Your Wallet

Last Updated: May 20, 2010

Saving money is on everyone's minds these days. Did you know the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? And, a large portion of that energy is wasted. Even when you think that you have done everything there is to cut back on energy costs, impulse spending, and other expenses, look again just in case you missed something. Lots of handy tips for saving on energy costs are presented below.

• Install programmable thermostats so you only run your furnace/AC during "off-peak" or cheaper hours. Use ceiling fans to help circulate the air - these use far less energy than running your heat pump or AC unit.
• Make sure there is weatherstripping and caulk around all windows and door. Check to make sure it sealing properly.
• Conserve water used to maintain your landscaping by planting indiginous plants and limit turf areas.
• Turn off the computer and monitor when not in use.
• Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to 120 degrees.
• If you can, use cold water for all laundry loads.
• If you replace any appliances, replace them with ones that have the Energy Star label on them.
• Air dry your dishes rather than using the dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Only run full loads in the dishwasher, washer, and dryer.
• Change your light bulbs to fluorescent light bulbs with the Energy Star label.
• Plug electronic devices that stay in stand by mode even when they are turned off into power strips. Electronic devices in stand by mode use several watts of power. If you turn the power strip off when you are not using the electronic devices, you will save energy.
• Take shorter showers.
• Turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth or scrubbing your hands.
• Purchase motion sensor lighting for the exterior of your home rather than leaving the outside lights on all night long.
• Turn the lights off in any room that will be unoccupied for 15 minutes or more.

Energy costs are rising and wallets are shrinking. It is time to be proactive if you want to save money. Use the strategies that work best for you and keep your eyes open for new ideas in order to realize the best savings.

Here are some more money savings tips.