by Kimberly Bunch

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 12, 2008

Check out our energy saving tips for big savings down the road.

Insulating your Home
Properly insulating your home will not only help reduce your heating and cooling costs but also make your home more comfortable. The Federal Government has a program that will pay you for adding insulation to your home; it is a Federal Tax Incentive opportunity if you add insulation to your home. http://www.simplyinsulate.com/ You are the one to benefit in the long run on this awesome deal. In addition, make sure that you insulate your heating hot air ducts and hot water pipes. It will help your heating system work more efficiently.

Light Bulbs
We can't get out of paying our electric bills but we can choose energy saving light bulbs. They reduce your energy bills and last far longer than incandescent bulbs."
If you replace the five standard light bulbs you use the most with compact fluorescent light bulbs, you can save roughly $60 a year on electricity.

Power Strips
Buy power strips in your home and turn them off at night or before you leave the house.
If you live in a typical U.S. home, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of your energy bills. These appliances and electronics include everything from computers, to televisions and microwaves. Use your power strip to turn on or off before and after use.

Appliances
Look for the Energy Star label on home appliances, electronics and other products. Energy Star products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. http://www.energystar.gov/

Refrigerator
Keep the refrigerator condenser coils clean that are found on the back of the refrigerator. Unplug and wipe down with a wet rag when they are covered with dust. This will help the full benefits of the energy power to your fridge.

Laundry
Wash full loads and use cold water as much as possible this will save energy and water. Keep dryer lent filters clean and shake out wet clothes so they dry faster instead of throwing them in bundled up.

Shower heads
Contrary to popular belief, water-saving or low-flow showerheads don't reduce water pressure. In fact, a high-quality showerhead can actually increase the force of the spray by directing the water more efficiently and actually save you money. You can test the amount of water your current showerhead emits: if it takes less than 20 seconds to fill a one-gallon bucket, you need a water-saving showerhead. Be sure to use COLD water for this experiment!

Check out additional energy saving products at your local Surplus Stores, or online for a wide range of ideas to choose from for maximizing savings. http://amconservationgroup.com/

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