Save Energy and Money Today

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air tha two average cars. And as for the road, trasportation accounts for 67% of all U.S. oil consumption. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home and in your car. Start making small changes today (see sidebar) to cut your energy use up to 25%.

The key to achieving these savings in your home is a whole-house energy effiency plan. To take a a whole-house approach, view your home as an energy system with interdependent parts. For example, your heating system is not just a furnace—it's a heat-delivery system that starts at the funrace and delivers heat throughout your home using a network of ducts. Even a top-of-the-line, energy efficient furnace will waste a lot of fuel if the ducts, walls, attic, windows and doors are not properly sealed and insulated. Taking a whole-house apporach to saving energy ensures that dollars you invest to save energy are spent wisely.

Energy-efficient improvements not only make your home more comfortable, they can yield long-term financial rewards. Reduced utility bills more than make up for the higher price of energy-efficient appliances and improvements over their lifetimes. In addition, your home could bring in a higher price when you sell.

Some Tips to Save Energy Today

Install a programmable thermostat to keep you house comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR label.

Air dry dishes insead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.

Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.

Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use.

Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F.