Change to efficient light bulbs:
Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is another idea that can provide big energy savings. CFLs with the Energy Star emblem on the package meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and Department of Energy. Although Energy Star qualified CFLs may cost a bit more to purchase, you'll save $30 or more in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb. These CFLs use about 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 limes longer (usually 7 - 10 years). Not only do CFLs use less energy, since they produce light more efficiently, they will not heat up your home as much as incandescent light bulbs do.Katie Ackerly, coauthor of Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings (9th edition; New Society Publishers, 2007), states that incandescent bulbs are a great heat sources that waste 5-10% of their energy as light.

Eventually you will want to change all or most of your lights to CFLs, but you can start with the fixtures that are used at least 15 minutes at a time or several hours per day for the largest savings. To choose a CFL that will put out the right amount of light, pick one that's labeled as equivalent to the incandescent bulb you're replacing. There are also various light style options, such as "daylight" (for the locations you want it the brightest for intricate tasks, such as a craft room) and "soft white" light (for a cozy, more incandescent-like lighting, such as a bedroom). I have found that some bulbs take about a minute to heat up and achieve their full brightness.

CAUTION ON CFLs MERCURY CONTENT: Since CFLs contain a tiny amount of mercury, ideally they should be recycled and caution used when cleaning up broken bulbs. They actually contain about 4 mg of mercury in the glass tubing. For comparison, an old mercury thermometer contains about 500 mg of mercury. Don't put CFLs in the trash, instead recycle them. You can find a recycler at (epa.gov/bulbrecycling) or (lamprecycle.org).

Unplug when not in use:
On average, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the appliances are turned off. Unplugging your blow dryer, and putting computers, printers, various chargers, kitchen appliances, and other electronics on a power strip can reduce usage greatly.

Check your freezer's efficiency:
Check your freezer's efficiency by closing the door on a dollar bill. If it slips out, the door's seal may be faulty and leaking air. You don't have to replace the whole refrigerator, though. Just replace the old strip with a new one, which you can get from your local appliance dealer.

Close the curtains:
Use curtains or blinds as insulators when the sun beats in on the southwest side of the house on a hot summer afternoon. Sun streaming through windows can make the air conditioner work two to three times harder.

Use ceiling or box fans:
Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect, reducing the need for cooling by about 5 degrees. Rozanne Weissman, spokesperson for the Alliance to Save Energy, recommends Energy Star - qualified models, which can be up to 30 percent more efficient than regular ceiling fans. But turn them off when you leave. "Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms," she says.

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