by Kate Johns

Created on: June 05, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

Did you know that you can help save the environment and save money on your energy bills by doing a few simple things at home? That's right, all you have to do is go through your home, and look at the ways you can save energy. And it won't take long either.

COVER WINDOWS

Did you know that 50% of the heat lost in your house goes right out the windows? To save energy and money on your heating and air conditioning bills caulk around the windows where precious heat and cooled air escape. Put plastic over your windows in the wintertime to keep the heated air in the house where it belongs. Weatherstrip the windows for the winter and the summer to keep the cold air out in the winter and the hot air out in the summer.

During sunny days in winter and fall open up the curtains and let the sun solar heat your home. Heavy lined curtains placed at drafty windows can also be a big help keeping cold air outside.

TURN IT OFF

Another great way to conserve energy and save money at the same time is to turn off lights in the rooms not in use. When you leave a room turn off the lights. Before going out, turn the lights off. Consider only having one light on in rooms that are in use. Check on the kids in their rooms, they are consumate energy wasters. Tell them to make a choice to do only one thing not four things at once. Unplug appliances not being used. Just by unplugging appliances in one room can save $50 a year.

SAVE WATER AND MONEY

There are numerous ways to save energy and money at home. By fixing leaky faucets and plumbing joints you can save 20 gallons of water every day for every leak stopped. Install water saving shower heads or flow restrictors. By doing this you can save as much as 500 to 800 gallons of water every month. Not only will you be conserving all that precious water, but just think how much money will be saved in the monthly gas or electric bill.

While waiting for the water to heat up for your shower, or to wash your hands, collect the water in a watering can or a bucket. Use this water to water houseplants, or to clean the bathtub you just finished using. By capturing the water, you can save 200 to 300 gallons of water per month saving on the heating bill.

OTHER WAYS TO CONSERVE ENERGY Did you know that 15% of the heat lost in your house goes right through the roof? By insulating the attic you can save energy from escaping out of the house and save on the total monthly and yearly heating bills.

Setting the thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees can save energy and cut down on yearly heating bills. You can aslo close the vents in rooms not in use in the winter and the summer to cut fuel bills, and conserve energy.

Stopping the dishwasher from drying the dishes and drying them yourself cuts about 20 minutes of more electricity being wasted.

With nearly everyone being more aware, we can all literally save the environment, thus conserving energy and saving money. And with that saved money we can splurge and plan a getaway weekend.

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