Free or Low Cost Tips

Looking for ways to cut down on energy bills? Try some of these easy Energy Saving Tips in your home and help keep costs down. For more tips visit Energy Hog.

1. Cut down on water usage with faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets.
2. A five degree higher setting on your air conditioning thermostat will save about 10% on cooling costs.
3. Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "Normal" setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.
4. Reduce cooling costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing blinds and curtains during the day.
5. Fifteen percent of an average home energy bill goes to heating water. To save hot water, take five-minute showers, only run full loads in the dishwasher and use cold water when doing laundry.
6. Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.
7. Seal your home's walls, floor, ceiling and roof to save up to 10% on your annual energy bill:
8. Add weather stripping around windows and doors to reduce drafts. Use caulking to seal around ducts, plumbing and any other openings in walls, floors and ceilings to reduce air leakage.
9. Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but not to block the airflow. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.
10. Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
11. Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they're not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.