1. Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees. If it was previously set at 140 degrees, you can save 14 percent of the energy used.
2. Plug your TV, stereo, computer and gaming systems into a power strip that you can turn on and off. Avoid wasting power when you’re not using the appliance.
3. Swap conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescents. These use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to six times longer.
4. When you leave the house for long periods of time or go to sleep, set the thermostat a few degrees cooler if it’s winter, hotter if it’s summer. Better yet, install a programmable thermostat.
5. Move furniture and curtains away from vents. Maintaining airflow improves your heating and cooling systems.
