In a world that had become rather technological in all the ways to save energy I thought I would point out some simple tips that are easy to do, dont cost an arm and a leg and pretty much anyone can do them.

1. Replace your incandescent bulbs with CFLs. CFLs use about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and can last up to ten times as long. Not to mention that incandescent bulbs will be phased out starting in 2012. By replacing the five most commonly used bulbs in your home, you can save about $70 every year on energy costs. The more you replace, the more you save.

2. Unplug appliances, chargers, and electronics you are not using. Vampire power (also called phantom energy) is the energy used by electronics that are turned off. This can account for as much as 10% of your home energy use. To help combat these unused power drains,

• Keep outlets clear as much as possible.
• In areas where you have several electronics that are commonly used, consider plugging them into a power strip and turning the strip off when they are not in use. This will prevent the energy consumption that would occur if they were plugged directly into the wall.
• To help avoid tangled cords (especially when unplugged), consider purchasing a charging station or labeling the ends of the cords using tape or small labels with the name of the electronic it powers. This will make it easier to identify what you’re plugging in without having to retrace cords.
• Unplug electronics when they are fully charged.

3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are a great way to lower your energy bills by offering you pre-determined control over your homes heating and cooling schedule. Not only does this save on energy by altering temperature to energy-saving settings while you are away or sleeping, it does it automatically according to your set guidelines allowing you to save energy without even thinking about it. Many models come with a filter sensor that tells you when to change your HVAC filters to further maximize energy efficiency.

4. Save water - Put aerators on faucets and install a low-flow showerhead. Aerators attach to your faucet to decrease the water flow while maintaining high pressures. Since faucets make up around 15% of a typical home’s water use, decreasing the water flow on every faucet in your home can easily help save a significant amount of water. Low-flow showerheads essentially work the same way, minimizing the amount of water you use while running the shower. Look for hardware with the EPA’s Water Sense label for products that are at least 20% more efficient than standard models.

5. Recycle. According to the National Recycling Coalition, the average American discards 7.5 lbs. of garbage every day! Recycling not only helps minimize this amount of waste, it helps minimize the use of natural resources and saves energy in manufacturing new products. And the best part is, it’s easy! Put up bins in your garage or laundry room (if you have kids, let them decorate them) and sort your cardboard, paper, aluminum, glass, steel, etc. Once every couple of weeks, make a trip to your local recycling center and deposit your recyclables.

6. Use eco-friendly cleaners. In 2007, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reported that 15% of all asthma cases were caused by exposure to unsafe cleaning products. To avoid this and other negative effects, look for cleaners with the EPA Design for the Environment (DfE) label or the Green Seal. These products are held to certain standards ensuring the the safest ingredient in each class (bleach, sterilizer, etc.) is used.

7. Fill air leaks with caulking or weather stripping. Cracks around your windows and doors can be a major energy drain on your home as they decrease the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by allowing air to escape. To avoid this problem, apply caulk or weather stripping around windows and doors or other spaces where air may be leaking through. To find these spots, consider having a home energy audit done on your home by a certified auditor. See my previous post on how you can get a free energy audit .

8. Plant a tree to shade your home. Planting a six to eight foot deciduous tree with high spreading crowns on the south side of your home can help increase the efficiency of your air conditioner by up to 10%. Areas surrounding shade trees typically see a 9 degree temperature reduction. This can obviously bring tremendous energy savings by helping keep your home cool without the extensive use of fans or A/C. See my previous post regarding Scott Counties Plant Some Shade Program. 

9. Insulate your hot water heater and furnace. By putting a "blanket" of insulation around your hot water heater you can reduce heat loss by 25-45%, reducing your energy bill by 4-9% (http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13080).

10. Replace your furnace filters. Energy Star recommends that you check your filters every month for excess debris that can restrict air flow and cause dust and dirt to enter your ventilation system and decrease your home’s indoor air quality. Filters should be replaced at least every three months or whenever they look dirty to avoid negative health effects and increase your HVAC’s efficiency.

Other Energy Saving Tips:

• Harvest rainwater by the use of rain barrels and other water catching systems. 
• Move heat-generating appliances and electronics away from your thermostat.
• Turn down your water heater 10-20 degrees.
• Check insulation levels in your attic.
• Turn off lights and fans when you leave the room.
• Use your drapes to control heat gain and loss.
• Wash full loads in of dishes and laundry.