Fifteen easy ways to save money by conserving energy

(Mike DelGaudio, Creative Commons 2.0)

Are your energy bills getting out of hand?  Are you looking for ways to not only go green and save energy, but to cut costs and keep the much-needed money in your pocket?  Here are five things that could easily save energy and money around the house.

1. Air Conditioning and Ceiling Fans:

• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature.  Keep it at 78º when you’re home and 82º when you’re away. 
• Clean or replace the filter every month to help your unit run more efficiently.
• Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room.

2. Dishes:

• Avoid pre-rinsing dishes before loading the dishwasher.  It can save up to $70 a year.
• Follow the dishwasher’s load guideline.  Never run the dishwasher unless it has a full load. 

• Try air drying dishes rather then using the heated drying cycle.  Don’t be afraid to use the energy-saving cycle if your dishwasher has it!

3. Laundry:

• Wash clothes in cold water. This not only reduces hot water usage, but it is better for your clothing as well.  If you must use hot water, adjust the water level on your washing machine to match load size.  Always use a cold rinse. 
• Don't overload the dryer. Try setting the timer 15 minutes less than usual and check to see if the load is dry.
• Always clean the lint filter before every load.

4. Water Heater:

• The easiest way here is to use less hot water!  Try taking short showers instead of baths.
• Installing water-conserving showerheads could save up to $50 annually.
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  Turn your water heater off completely when leaving for two or more days.

5. Electronics:

• Plug your electronics into power strips.  When turning them off, power down using the power strip.
• Remember to turn off your computer and monitor when they are not in use.

• Adjust your computer’s power-saving options (via Windows Control Panel or Mac OSX Energy Saver).

That’s it!  Keep these tips in mind and you will start to see skinnier bills and fatter wallets.  Not to mention, you’ll be doing everyone a favor in going green!