Top Ten Energy-Saving Tips

Taking steps to reduce your energy consumption is becoming increasingly important every year. Not only is the cost of utilities going up, but so is our array of energy-users that didn't exist before—computers, large-screen TVs, cell phone chargers...the list grows every year. Small changes add up. By reducing your energy consumption you lower your bills. Talk about a win-win!

1. Don't just turn it off, unplug it!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of the electricity used to power electronics in the average home is consumed while the products are turned off. To rid your home of this "phantom load," unplug electronic devices such as VCRs, televisions, game consoles, stereos, computers and kitchen appliances when they're not being used. A good way to do this is to use power strips so you can turn a number of items off at once. Don't forget to unplug cell phone, laptop, and battery chargers too, they continue to draw a small amount of power even when they're not connected to the devices they charge.

The proof: Cutting power to your computer, monitor, printer and modem for 20 hours per day could save you 30 kWh, which is about $4 per month.

2. Adjust your thermostat

In the winter, set your thermostat between 68 and 70ºF when you're home, and 62ºF when you're away or in bed. In the summer, set it between 76 and 78ºF when you're home and 82ºF when you're away and running the air conditioner.

The proof: Lowering the thermostat from 75ºF to 70ºF in the winter could save you 131 kWh, or about $19 per month in a typical 1,800 sq ft home.

3. Turn down your water heater

Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs, so lower the thermostat setting on your hot water heater to 120ºF, or the "normal" setting.

The proof: Lowering your water heater thermostat from 140ºF to 120ºF could save you 75 kWh, or about $11 per month.

4. Take short showers instead of baths

In the majority of households, most of the hot water is used for bathing.

The proof: Taking a five-minute shower instead of a ten-minute shower or bath every day could save you 133 kWh, or $19 per month.

5. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes

The proof: Reducing the number of loads of laundry and dishes from six to three times per week could save you 40 kWh and $6 per month.

6. Air-dry clothes and dishes

The proof: Reducing the amount of laundry and dishes you dry in a dryer or dishwasher from six to three times per week could save you 50 kWh and $7 per month.

7. Switch to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)

Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with CFLs will save up to 75% of the energy you currently use to light your home. Start by switching out the bulbs in the fixtures you use most often.

The proof: Replacing five 60-watt incandescent bulbs with 20-watt CFLs could save you 48 kWh and $3.50 per month.

8. Seal your home against air leaks

Sealing your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy, save money, and improve your comfort. Done right, home sealing could save you up to 10% on your home energy bill.

The proof: Sealing holes, cracks and gaps throughout a typical 1,800 square-foot home could save you 225 kWh, or about $32 per month.

9. Install low-flow water saving devices

Low-flow faucet aerators, shower heads and toilets use less water.

The proof: Installing three faucet aerators and a low-flow shower head could save you 144 kWh and $21 per month.

10. Install setback thermostats

For as little as $20 per zone you can purchase and install programmable setback thermostats that automatically turn down the heat at night and when people aren't home during the day, significantly saving on energy.

The proof: Programming a setback thermostat to turn down the heat during winter months from 70ºF to 62ºF for the eight hours a day you're at work could save you 180 kWh and $26 per month.

TOTAL SAVINGS: About $148.50 per month, or $1,782 a year!

Note: Energy and cost-savings estimates are based on a typical family of four living in an 1,800 square-foot home with electric heat and hot water. Savings will vary per household.