1. You can reduce the cost of electricity on your lighting by replacing your incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent bulbs.
2. Stop air leaks. 
   • Caulk and weather strip leaking doors and windows.
   • Caulk and seal air leaks around exterior openings, over cabinets and where plumbing, duct work or electrical wiring penetrates through exterior walls, floors or ceiling. 
   • Install foam gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. 
   • You can lose as much as 60 percent of your heated or cooled air before it reaches the vent if your ducts are in your attic or crawl space and they aren’t insulated.
3. The location of your refrigerator and freezer can make a significant difference in the running time and energy usage. Placing your refrigerator and freezer out of direct sunlight in an air-conditioned area instead of the garage and keeping it away from an outside door or other appliances that heat will reduce the amount of time the unit has to run.
   • Check the gasket that creates a seal around the door.
   • Set the temperature between 38° F and 42° F in the refrigerator and 0° F in the freezer. 
   • Clean the condenser coils at least twice a year. 
   • Look for the Energy Star Label.
4. Ceiling fans use much less energy than a central AC system. A ceiling fan can make the room feel around 10° F cooler so you can set the thermostat at a higher temperature and still remain comfortable.
5. Heating and cooling the typical home uses more electricity than anything else. Adjusting your usage here will make a big difference.
   • The generally recommended temperature for summer is 78° F to 80° F and 68° F to 70° F for winter months.
   • Close the vents to unused rooms in your home and close the door so you don’t waste energy cooling or heating those rooms. 
   • A programmable thermostat can help automate temperature adjustments so you don’t have to. 
   • Clean or replace the filter every month. 
6. Avoid “phantom” loads by unplugging appliances and electronics when not in use.
   • Unplug battery chargers once the batteries are fully charged or when the charger is not being used. This includes chargers for cell phones, cameras, MP3 players, etc. 
   • Turn off the TV when no one is watching
   • Putting your computer to sleep, or turning it off when not in use, is the best way to save energy with any computer you use.
7. Save energy and money with your washing machine.
   • About 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes goes to heating the water. Washing your clothes in warm water instead of hot will reduce energy use by as much as 45 percent while washing in cold water can save as much as 90 percent. 
   • Wash only full loads.
   • Use the lowest water level required to clean your clothes. 
   • Front-loading washers use as little as 40 percent of the water that a top-loading model does which reduces the amount of energy required to heat the water.
8. As much as 20 percent of your monthly electric bill can come from heating water. There are several no-cost ways you can save energy with your water heater.
   • Leaking hot water faucet will waste electricity because your water heater is running continuously to keep heating the water that is leaking. 
   • A five-minute shower using a flow restrictor in the shower head uses less water and energy than a bath. 
   • To save energy, do not set water heaters above 140° F. 
   • Flushing two to three gallons of water from your electric water heater annually will extend the life of the unit and provide greater efficiency. 
   • Many modern water heaters have a vacation setting which stops heating the water when you will be away for some time. 
   • Wrap an insulation blanket around the water heater.
9. Using a microwave can cut your energy usage for cooking by as much as half. 
10. Finally be conscious of your energy use, turn off lights if there is no one in the room.

These energy savings tips combined with the service of a Professional Energy Consultant from YourEnergySpot.com will maximize the amount of money you will save.

And its free to you!