Install a low-flow showerhead – does not cost much. The water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment quickly. A family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month – and yet not feel much difference in water pressure. Also make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet – these inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high. Or you just take shorter showers – lowers water and heating bills.

Install a programmable thermostat – save as much as $100 a year by letting your thermostat lower the heat 10 to 15 percent when you’re asleep or at work and/or set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

When light bulbs burn-out around the house, replace them with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. They last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs and are four times more efficient. Also, they may cost more than CFL bulbs but you will get your money back in the savings on your electric bill.

Unplug appliances between uses so that ones that like to draw energy even when they are not being used – such as computers, TVs, cell phone chargers, and so on. These types of devices can add about 4 percent to your electricity bill and if unplugged, can save you about $30 a year. You can purchase a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use or just use traditional power strips to have just one switch to flick between uses.

For larger appliances, here are a few little facts and tips how to save money by using what you currently have: Refrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household, to maximize efficiency keep the fridge at 37° F and the freezer at 0° F. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible because as much as 85 percent of energy used to machine-washed clothes goes to heating water. Use a drying rack or cloths-line to save energy. If you must use a dryer, you have two options – run the dryer only as long as it takes to dry the clothes or “dryer balls”. Instead of using fabric softener sheets, throw two re-usable dryer balls in the dryer every time you run it and cut dryer time down by 25 percent.

Make use of public transportation, car pool, walk or ride a bike to everyday places. This will use less gas used, save you money, less pollution in the atmosphere and be better for your health.

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