Simple Energy-Efficient Tips That Save Money

As the beach chairs get tucked away in the garage and the lawnmower is about to go into hibernation, we start to think (again) about preparing our homes for the cooler months. Taking energy saving steps now pays big dividends in the future.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient homes are less costly to own, operate and maintain, making them both healthier and more comfortable for living. Americans spend more than $160 billion a year to heat, cool, and light their homes. Households can save 20-30 percent on their household energy bill by implement energy efficient repairs and improvements. These small repairs can have a huge impact on energy bills. The savings generated for your home generally outweighs the initial expenditures by a long shot.

Energy Saving Tips For The Home

Sealing cooling and heating ducts can save up to 25 percent on your home energy bill.

Repairing leaky drains can save 212 gallons of water a month.

Insulating the hot water heater can cut CO2 emissions and save 4-9 percent in water heating costs. How do you know if it needs to be insulated? If it is warm to the touch insulate it.

Replacing showerheads with low-flow ones can save 10-16 percent of water heating costs and reduce water usage by 20,000.

Installing ceiling fans will cut air conditioning costs by 40 percent in summer and the fans will circulate warm air downwards in winter.

Use low VOC caulk to stop leaks around windows and doors. Don’t forget around the light switches if you feel air around the switch plate or outlet.

Home insulation should be installed from the roof down to the foundation for maximum energy efficiency.

Install a timer on the hot water heater. If it is electric, turn off hot water when not in use.

Replacing light bulbs with CFL’s can have a huge impact. One bulb can save at least $30.00 in electric bills over its lifespan and 5 bulbs can save 50 percent on annual lighting bills. CFLs also reduce greenhouse emissions from power plants.

Insulating water pipes conserves hot water every time you take a shower.

Solar outdoor lighting is maintenance free, and after initial costs, the lights are free to run.

Lighting controls and timers increase security and decrease energy expenditure.

This may seem obvious, but dressing warmer and turning down the thermostat is a simple measure with a big impact on heating bills.

Reduce, reuse and recycle. These three elements provide the most cost effectiveness tip to you and a lighter carbon footprint for the planet.

Ronnie Citron-Fink lives in New York with her husband, two children (when they come home to the nest), two dogs and a cat. Ronnie is a teacher and a writer. She has been a contributing writer for Family Fun magazine. She currently writes articles about education and home design. Her writings are in four books including Family Fun Home and Some Delights of the Hudson Valley.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sisilie B.

5:17AM PDT on Sep 7, 2011

I am lucky enough to be a very warm person, and I rarely need to have extra heat on, but unfortunately that doesn`t apply to everyone in my household

September 7
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KS G.

12:36AM PDT on Aug 27, 2011

Thanks for the article.

August 27
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Elizabeth B.

9:37AM PDT on Aug 25, 2011

thank you...these tips are worth it.....i wish there were more landlords who made their propertys more energy efficent......i want to have energy effiicent house when i own a house (-;

August 25
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Emily S.

10:18AM PDT on May 16, 2011

Thanks! Will have to look into adding a timer on my hot water heater!

May 16
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d m g.

9:14PM PDT on Apr 13, 2011

Valeria G. says
Sep 14, 2009 2:48 PM
My issue is with solar powered outdoor lights. Most of these lights that I've seen collect light during the day and turn on while it's dark out automatically. Maybe there are a few people out there who would have had lights on outside all night anyway, but I've never met any of them. Everyone I've seen with them has just used them as a lawn decoration, and hasn't thought about them beyond "Oh, they're pretty and don't cost anything to run." Adding more unneccessary lights at night contributes to light pollution, which, though I've never seen it brought up on Care2, is a serious environmental issue. If these lights could be controlled so that they were only on when they were needed and not just used for decoration, I would support them, but as it is, I'd as soon support plastic flamingos.
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If I move my lights through out the day they will stay on all night long. I have to put them in the sun and at night I put them back where I want them. I figure this is a great way to get me outside and to burn off energy..

April 13
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Anne H.

4:02PM PDT on Mar 29, 2011

all good ideas but my electric is still high even after all of the helpful tips

March 29
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Rupesh P.

9:37PM PDT on Sep 29, 2010

With regard to our environment is concerned, solar energy is the best Eco-Friend too. The main reason behind the use of solar energy to reduce coal use footprints.south Carolina Solar water heaters are the second largest energy consumer in America households.By use of solar systems in your home, you can activate one of the appliances without interruption. Its an old adage that the best form of learning is learning by experience, so it is recommended to test solar systems at least once.
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How to save money

September 29
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10:13PM PDT on Aug 9, 2010

Clean the coils behind or underneath your refrigerator with a tapered appliance brush to keep it running efficiently.Skip prerinsing dishes. Our tests have shown that it ¹ s unnecessary, and save you up to 6,500 liters of water per year.Opt for cold water washing and save about $ 60 per year.Put your PC to sleep. Save $ 25 to $ 75 each year using the system standby or hibernating feature on your computer. Plug electronics into a power strip so you can extinguish all the once.Don 'does not overload the dryer. Clothes will take longer to dry and they'll come out wrinkled. When the weather is hot and dry line. Open blinds and shades colder days. Solar heat gain can raise interior temperature significantly.
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Saving Money Tips