Check for Leaks

A common form of energy loss is through holes/cracks in your house that let cooler air out in the summer and warm air out in the winter. Do a check of your windows and doors for cracks or holes where air can escape. Don't forget to check your ceiling, floor, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and wall outlets for holes or cracks either. If discovered, visit a home supply store nearby and ask for help on what to do to repair them.

Check your Insulation

Check the insulation levels in your house. Check the attic, walls, floor, etc. If they are not up to standard consider having them improved. Insulation is one of the most common ways of ensuring that your house stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter, saving you money all year long on lower energy bills.

Plug it in, Plug it in

Here's a neat energy saving tip. Plug in all your entertainment devices into power strips. When you're not using them you can just flip a switch on the power strip to ensure that your television, VCR, DvD, etc... all turn off at the same time to save the maximum amount of energy.

Watch your Thermostat

Set your thermostat comfortably low in the Summer and comfortably high in the Winter. In other words, don't overdo it. The suggested setting that we've all heard before is 72 degrees.

Another important tool is to get a compatible, programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.

Here is a great one for a great price as well! Lux Products Smart Temp Programmable Thermostat TX1500

ENERGY STAR Brands

If you're buying a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Products who earn this label have to pass strict government standards of energy usage. Normally, buying an ENERGY STAR brand appliance will ensure that you'll save money in the long run even if you might pay a little more now.

Change Those Light Bulbs

Do a little research into what types of bulbs will work in your light fixtures. If possible, replace your regular old incandescent bulbs with a type called compact florescent bulbs.

Why should you do this? Compact florescent bulbs use about 75% less energy PLUS they last about 10 times longer than regular bulbs. A small investment can save you tons of money in the long term.

Stepping Off the Grid

This phrase is used to mean the act of producing your own power. Someday I'd love for solar power to advance to the point where I (and every other American) could step off of the electrical power grid completely and get cheap, free power. Talk about freeing up our dependency on oil.

Pipe dream? I don't think so. There is some VERY exciting research going on in these areas. You can step off of the grid in some minor ways. Check our store for some products that help you step off of the grid. They're not only cool but save you money in the long run.

Rechargable Batteries

Have a device that you use often that requires batteries? Get some rechargeable batteries! Instead of buying a pack of batteries that you use once and throw away try using the same ones over and over. This saves you tons of cash in the long run for a small initial investment.

If you're looking for a good rechargeable battery system, try La Crosse Technology BC-900 AlphaPower Battery Charger.

Solar Heating

Did you know that one third of the energy we produce goes to one thing? That one thing is heating water. When it comes to heating water we usually say, "Hmmm... should I heat my water with gas or electric?"

What most people don't realize is that there is a third alternative that is right above your head, the Sun! Although this method involves an initial investment, you can heat your water through solar heating. The sun has been providing the Earth with heat for billions of years now and will do so long after we're gone. Why not tap into that heat to help heat your home?

Turn the Lights Off

Not at home? Turn the lights off. Not in the bedroom? Turn off the lights. Sure, lighting does not cost a fortune but it will make a difference on the electric bill.

Not just lighting, but air conditions, etc.