Top 10 Energy Efficiency Tips for Big Money Savings

1. Replace your light bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to  save more than $250 a year in energy costs.

CFLs use 75% less energy. Lasts 6–10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs. *  Turn off your lights when leaving a room. Weekly savings: $5.40

2. Use ENERGY STAR air conditioners they use 10 percent less energy.* Be sure window units fit tightly.  Use ceiling fans.

Make sure air registers are clear of furniture so air can circulate. Only cool the rooms you use—close  vents and doors of unused rooms. Weekly savings: $10.50

3. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your temperature while you're away or sleeping.* Save up to $350 a year. Winter 68 - day, 65 - night. Summer - 78 all day. Weekly savings: $6.50

4. Home electronics account for 15 percent of electricity use. ENERGY STAR equipment helps save energy when off, while maintaining features like clock displays and channel  settings.

* Unplug battery chargers or power adapters when not in use, like your cell phone charger! * Use a power strip as a central  “turn off” point when you are done using equipment. Weekly savings: $3.25

5. A ten minute shower can use less water than a full bath. * A new 2 gallon-per-minute (low-flow) shower head, in a 10-minute shower will use about 20 gallons of water, saving you five gallons of  water over a typical bath.  A new showerhead also will save energy —  up to $245 each year on heating.* Weekly savings: $5.40

6. Wash your laundry in cold water. To save  water wash full loads or reduce the level of water appropriately. * Hot water heating uses 90 percent of the energy and only 10 percent goes to electricity.  Use cold water detergents.* Washing  full loads can save you 3,400 gallons of water each year.  Weekly savings: $2.20

7. It costs about $325 per year to dry clothes for the average family. You can cut costs by drying full loads, cleaning the lint filter. Save even more by hanging clothes outside.  Weekly savings: $3.20

8. Average homes waste 25% energy through leaks and cracks in attics, ducts, basements, doors and windows. Weekly savings: $7.10

9. Insulate attics properly. Modern insulation can save the average home about 25% of their energy bills. Weekly savings: $6.73

10. Save gas for your car by going easy on the gas  and brake pedals. You can save up to 30% on gas. Weekly savings: $11.90