• Unplug appliances that are not in use. Many of our appliances today incorporate high tech electronics that consume small amounts of energy if they are plug into a power source even though you may not be using them. One example is a toaster that has a LED screen that provides information about the toaster.

• Turn off appliances that are not in use especially high definition televisions. If there is no one watching it you are just wasting energy. When turning it off turn the on / off switch off. It may be convenient to just hit the remote and the television comes to life on your favorite channel but you are using a lot of power for that convenience.

• When replacing appliances always buy Energy Star rated energy efficient appliances. The energy star rating system is an international program and standard that helps homeowners be more energy efficient. However, not all appliances have energy star ratings.

• Keep your heating and cooling thermostat at a comfortable setting without over doing it and turn off the heat and air conditioning when no one is at home. Purchase a programmable thermostat so you can program it to the lowest setting at night or during known periods of absence.

• Use small appliances such as a microwave or toaster oven to heat or cook food for small meals rather than heating up a large oven. 

• Replace regular incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs (CFL’s). On average these energy saving bulbs use 75% less power.

• If you live in a warm climate where air conditioning is necessary, use sun block window covering such as heavy drapes to keep the cool air in and the warm air out. A great deal of heat lost occurs by heat radiations through the window glass.

• Check window and doors for air leaks. Seal any gaps or cracks where air can migrate in or out. A rolled up towel placed in front of a door or sliding glass window will help block air infiltration.

• If your refrigerator or freezer door seal is leaking cold air replace it. Replacement seals can be purchased at most home improvement centers or hardware store.

• If you have an old hot water heater consider covering it with a thermo blanket to retain the heat.

• Replace your hot air furnace filters at least twice during the heating season.

• Reduce your dryer usage by hanging out laundry to dry or use a drying rack. Always clean the lint trap before each load.

• If you do not have carpeted floors use area carpets to keep floors warm.

• If your dish washer has “an energy save air dry” option use it for drying the dishes. Dish washer driers use a lot of energy just to dry the dishes.

• Fix leaky faucets, especially hot water faucets. It will save on water cost and the cost of heating the hot water.

Each of these energy saving suggestions will save you some amount of money and collectively they can save you a lot of money.