Save Energy, Save Money.

You hear it all the time: “Save money.” But if you’re not a financial expert, you may think there’s nothing you can do. Not true. There are many little things you can do to reduce the amount of energy you use and, as a bonus, you’ll trim your home energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy offers tips to help you decrease your environmental footprint and increase the size of your wallet:

  • Look for problem areas. The Department of Energy has a free energy audit on its website (energy.gov) that will help you find areas of your home that are leaking energy.

  • Plug the leaks. Light a candle by a door or window and watch where the flame flickers to find leaks, and then seal them. If you also repair leaky air ducts, you could save up to 30% on your annual energy bill.

  • Power up on a power strip. Plug home appliances such as TVs, DVD players, computers and monitors, cell phone chargers, MP3 chargers--you get the point--into power strips and turn the power strips off when you’re not using them. Even small chargers that are plugged in without anything charging on them use electricity.

  • Change your light bulbs. Switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs can save lots of money. Don’t worry--these versions will have about the same warm glow as traditional bulbs. You shouldn’t notice a difference--except when your energy bill arrives.

  • Shop around. Buying a new dishwasher? TV? Computer? Look for appliances that have the Energy Star® label; they use 20% to 75% less energy than their energy-hogging alternatives.

  • Install--and use--a programmable thermostat. Turning the thermostat up in the summer or down in the winter when you’re sleeping or away from home saves energy.

  • Revamp your laundry habits. Wash clothes in cold or warm water and you’ll use up to 90% less energy than you would with hot water, and your clothes will get just as clean. Wash full loads whenever you can, and when you must wash a smaller load, adjust the water level accordingly.

These ideas are just a start--visit the Department of Energy’s website for many more ways to save energy and money in your home.

Cy-Fair FCU