Cutting Carbon Emissions

The conundrum lies with the need to use energy for such reasons as heating and cooling homes, but this contributes to the carbon problem. There are many personal rewards for energy use such as staying warm during winter blizzards, keeping cool when the sun is sweltering, and being able to see indoors when the sun goes down. By altering a few behaviors to become more energy-efficient, people can enjoy the benefits of energy use while still being cognizant of carbon emissions.

Ways to Work Towards Energy Reduction Rewards

Energy reduction rewards can come in the form of self-satisfaction knowing you're helping the environment or in physical rewards such as reduced energy bills or benefits with energy suppliers for being more green with energy use. Below are a few things to consider that will help work towards whatever energy reduction rewards are best suited for you.

Check for Home Leaks

Check for any leaks in seals that could be allowing air to seep in and out. A house is supposed to be a contained unit where air temperature can be controlled. If there are multiple leaks, this makes it harder on the thermostat to regulate the temperature causing the heater or air conditioner to work more than it should. Be sure to check for leaks around doors and windows as well as any place that additions to a home have been added and the original foundation or framing was dismantled. Cracks and breaks in seals are likely to appear first in such locations. Ensuring the house is properly sealed and insulated could reduce heating and cooling bills by 20%.

Check the Thermostat

Break out the blankets instead of dialing up the heat. Turn the thermostat down a few notches in the winter to reduce carbon emissions from heat. A two-degree drop can reduce emissions by 6%, which is roughly 420 pounds of carbon per home. A minute drop can contribute to great rewards for energy use.

Check Insulation

In addition to turning down the thermostat, invest in proper insulation for walls and ceilings. If all cracks are sealed, insulation can cut down on the need to heat the house reducing energy bills by 20-30%. Insulation helps contain the heat that is produced, cutting carbon emissions by 140 to 2100 pounds per year.

Check Home Décor

Two things can help contribute to managing house temperature: foliage and paint color. Foliage such as shade trees can help shade the house from the sun's rays in times of warm weather, reducing how much the air conditioner might have to work. The same goes for paint. Depending on the climate, lighter pastels are better at deflecting the sun's rays and keeping the house cooler, while darker colors are more useful in absorbing the sun's rays to keep a house warmer. Either way, the strategic use of foliage and paint in climates can save 2.4 tons of carbon emissions per year. The trees also help take some of the carbon out of the air.

No matter what rewards for energy use you are looking for, personal or environmental, careful attention to how energy is used and managed in the home can result in maximum energy reduction rewards for all involved. Check for leaks, monitor the thermostat, install insulation, and use appropriate décor to curb unnecessary carbon emissions.

How to Save Energy and Money: 6 Expert Tips

We all know that there are many hidden costs to owning a home. Property maintenance can put a dent in our budget. One area that can be particularly expensive is energy use. Here are six great tips on how to save energy and potentially save money on your energy bill.

1. Maintain Your HVAC System

Make sure that you have regular maintenance on your heating and air-conditioning system. During routine maintenance, Freon levels are checked. Freon is the coolant that helps run your HVAC system and if the level is too low the system will have to run harder. This will increase your energy bill. That is what is important to make sure the Freon level is correct. The other thing you need to do is change the filters in your system. Old filters block the flow of air, which causes the system to work harder. This will also increase your energy bill.

2. Check Your Freezer

A good approach on how to save energy is to check your freezer and refrigerator. Sometimes we tend to have our freezer temperature and our refrigerator temperature cooler than necessary. A safe rule of thumb is to set your freezer at 5 degrees Fahrenheit and set your refrigerator at 38 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep all your food fresh and all your frozen items nice and solid. However, these temperatures will not make your refrigerator run harder than necessary to arrive at temperatures that are cooler than you actually need.

3. Avoid Peak Hours

If you are going to be involved in a household project that will use a lot of energy, try to schedule it so that you are not doing it in peak hours. Utility companies may charge higher rates during regular daytime hours. For example, these times would exclude the hours between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m., weekends, and holidays. It has been shown that some rates are 40% higher during peak periods, so adjusting your laundry schedule, for example, to work around these times may save you money.

4. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats really are smart! They actually are programmed to work according to your habits, they can show you the amount of energy that you're using in real-time, and can also be self-adjusting. For instance, if the humidity in your home rises, a smart thermostat will adjust automatically. If you have left the house for work and you forgot to turn your air conditioner off, you can use your smart thermostat to lower the temperature. This will definitely save you money and save energy as well.

5. Switch to LED Light Bulbs

As a consumer in today's market, we all have several choices in the types of light bulbs that we select. In prior years, the only option available was an incandescent light bulb. But now technology has addressed the matter of how to save energy by creating energy-saving LED and CFL light bulbs. Switching to these models can add up to savings on your energy bill.

6. Seal Cracks Around Doors and Windows

It's a fact that up to 20% of your energy bill, whether it is heating or cooling related, can be saved by having the proper type of insulation around your doors and windows. This kind of proactive approach will make sure that leaks are eliminated, which will prevent cool or warm air to just drift out into your yard. You will also have the additional benefit of a more comfortable house. If that's not enough, you may even save money, too.

These tips on how to save energy can help with your energy expenses, potentially reduce your electricity costs, and make you part of the population that is involved in energy conservation. They really are easy ways to save energy in your home; plus, your budget can even see the rewards for using less energy!

3 Heating Myths That Could Cost You Money This Winter

With the winter weather here, many homeowners have the heat in their homes cranked high to keep them comfortable. But while you may be nice and warm, your energy bill is probably rising. The good news is that you don't have to freeze to save on energy during the colder months. Let's take a look at a few heating myths that could cost you energy and money this winter.


You should turn up the heat quickly. One of the biggest misconceptions about using heat is that if you crank up the heat, it will warm up the house faster. Unfortunately, this is not true. Your HVAC system can't magically make your home five degrees warmer instantaneously. Instead, it has to heat it up slowly. And if you set the thermostat several degrees higher, your heating system is just going to have to work harder. In turn, this actually uses more energy. So if you're looking to save on energy costs, don't change the temperature more than a few degrees at a time.


New windows always help reduce energy costs. If you live in an old house with old windows, air leaks around the windows certainly could be contributing to increased energy bills. But getting new windows is not a cure-all solution. Furthermore, getting all new windows can be an expensive project. Instead, you should focus on smaller ways to reduce air leaks throughout your home. Did you know that insulating your walls and ceilings can help reduce heating bills by 20% to 30%? Ensuring your home is properly insulated is a great way to ensure the warm air stays inside your home.


A programmable thermostat always saves energy. While it's true that having a programmable thermostat can help reduce energy use, it only works if you use it properly. When you get a programmable thermostat, make sure to read the instructions and talk to your electric company. If you program the thermostat to turn the heat up before you get out of bed when you normally wait until you get up, it's going to end up using more energy. But if the thermostat is programmed properly, it could help you save energy.


Hopefully, this article cleared up some confusion regarding using heat and saving energy during the winter. If you have questions or concerns about your energy use, talk to your electric company about ways you can reduce your monthly bills.

3 Ways to Save Energy

When it comes to reducing energy use seasonally, many people think summer is the best time when big savings can be seen due to cutting back on things like air conditioning. However, there can be some great opportunities to reduce energy use during the colder months too. With fall finally here, it's important to think about ways to save energy in your home. So let's take a look at a few easy energy saving tips to put into practice this fall.


Use your heat wisely: While it can be tempting to crank up the heat at the first sign of cool weather, it's important to use your heat cautiously. Try to keep your thermostat as low as possible -- it's easy to put on layers and snuggle up in blankets for extra warmth. At the very least, turn the thermostat down while you're away from home or sleeping. Just think about the impact lowering your thermostat can have on the environment. In the colder months, lowering your thermostat just two degrees can reduce 6% of heating-related CO2 emissions, which certainly adds up over time.


Seal any leaks: One of the biggest wastes of energy is when a home has leaks around windows, doors, and in its duct system. When there are leaks, the HVAC system has to work harder to replace the air that is escaping the house, which increases energy use. So before the cold weather arrives, make sure to check all windows, doors, and attic insulation to ensure there are no places where air could escape. Additionally, have your ductwork checked for leaks -- and consider having it cleaned while you're at it.


Unblock registers and radiators: Many homeowners make the mistake of moving furniture in front of heat registers and radiators in hopes of hiding them from sight. However, doing this can decrease the amount of heat that can come out of the systems, forcing the HVAC system to work harder. So next time you're doing some cleaning, make sure your furniture, carpet, and draperies are all away from heat registers and radiators. Additionally, it's important to note that having items in front of radiators and registers can be a hazard, so moving them is a win-win.


It doesn't take a whole lot of effort to reduce energy use at your home. So if you're thinking about conserving energy throughout the colder months, keep these simple energy saving tips in mind.

Saving Energy at Home: How to Use Your Thermostat Properly

The way we use energy has changed drastically over time. Just think, wood supplied almost 90% of our energy needs over 150 years ago! Now, people tend to focus more on renewable energy and ways we can reduce energy use. Fortunately, with today's technology, this is easier than ever to do. One technological tool that can help with energy conservation is a thermostat. So let's take a closer look at how thermostats can help save energy when used right.

How Does the Right Thermostat Save Energy?

Most homes are equipped with a thermostat to help keep the indoor temperature nice and comfortable. And while it may be tempting to crank up the heat in the colder months, setting your thermostat back even just a few degrees can reduce heating and cooling costs immensely. Programmable thermostats are something every home should have. It can be difficult to remember to turn down the heat or air when you're sleeping or not home. But with a programmable thermostat, you won't have to remember. You can simply set your thermostat to turn down the heat or AC when you're not home or sleeping and you can easily reduce your energy use. Additionally, you should ensure your thermostat is in a central location in your home. If a thermostat is installed in a poor location, like near a garage, it can misread the temperature. So with the right thermostat, you can save energy at home with ease.

What NOT to Do With Your Thermostat

When using your thermostat, it's important to not make mistakes that could lead you to use more energy than necessary. One big mistake homeowners often make is cranking up their heat or AC because they think that will help them reach their desired temperature quicker. Not only does this not work, but it can actually make your HVAC system run slower and use more energy. So to focus on energy conservation, don't set the temperature too high or too low. Furthermore, you should try to change the thermostat temperature as little as possible. If you constantly change the temperature on your thermostat, you're going to end up using more energy because your HVAC unit will have to stop and start repeatedly.

When it comes to energy conservation, using the right thermostat, and using it correctly, can be a big energy saver. So keep these tips in mind and use your thermostat wisely.

Tips for Reducing Energy Costs

With the hot summer sun beating down, many homeowners are hiding away inside their cool air-conditioned home. But with the air conditioning blasting, electronics being used more often, and loads of wash increasing with the kids being home, energy bills can skyrocket during the summer months. So how can homeowners save money on their energy bills and still survive the heat? Well, let's take a look at a few tips on how to reduce energy use this summer.

Use fans instead of the AC: While it certainly can be tempting to blast the refreshing air conditioning to quickly cool down your home, air conditioning is a huge use of energy in homes. So instead of using AC all the time, try using a variety of fans to circulate cool air throughout the home. And open windows during those cool, breezy nights to let in some fresh air. If you must use air conditioning, consider installing a programmable thermostat to control temperature and save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.

Consider cooking outside: One of the most common reasons houses get so hot in the summer is from people using the oven and stove in the kitchen to cook. To avoid this from happening, take advantage of that nice summer weather and cook outside. Grilling or smoking food outside is an easy way to keep the house cool and soak up some of that vitamin D. And if you're using gas grills, that's another easy way to reduce energy usage at home.

Be smart about electronics: With the kids out of school, electronics are probably being used a lot more often. And while it may not seem like they use a lot of energy, keeping track of electronic use is an easy way to save electricity. So when electronics, like TVs, tablets, laptops, and other devices, aren't in use, try to keep them unplugged. This will not only prevent them from continuing to use energy, but it will also keep them from heating up and increasing room temperature. So safely storing your electronics away can be an easy tip when it comes to figuring out how to reduce energy use.

Just because summer weather generally means higher utility bills doesn't mean you have to one of the homeowners who have to watch energy costs skyrocket. By following these few simple tips, you can keep cool, have a fun summer, and reduce your energy use.

Light a Fire This Winter: Need to Know Info About Gas, Electric, and Wood Burning Stoves

The snow is falling now, it's cold outside, and while your electric suppliers are preparing for you to turn up the heat, few things are quite as cozy as cuddling up next to a fireplace. A good fire draws the mind back in time and is so delightful to be around when the weather outside is frightful. These days, we have a few options when it comes to adding the warmth and ambiance of fire to our homes.
Over 150 years ago, wood had fueled almost 90% of the country's needed energy. Now we have fireplaces that provide heat from a few different energies: wood, gas, and electricity. If you're keen on conserving energy this winter, let's take a peek at the different styles of keeping that living room toasty.

Wood
There's something comforting about the traditional nature of a wood burning stove. They've been effectively heating homes for thousands of years at this point and continue to today. A constant source of energy, they cannot be foiled by limitations in gas supply or power outages.
While the wood-fueled fireplace may be the most attractive option, you may not reduce energy costs without thoughtful care. Chimneys are culprits of heat escape during the winter and fireplaces often centralize heat instead of being able to circulate it through your home. There is also annual safety inspection that must be considered. A wood fireplace can be a liability if not adequately cared for.


Gas
The bill from your electric suppliers will likely be the lowest with this option. Gas is convenient and you'll save on energy costs by having the ability to redirect the heat from your gas stove to the rest of the house. If you're looking for ways to save energy in your home, gas fireplaces are a great choice. They work during power outages and there's little cleaning or maintenance to be done, other than inspection once a year.
As with wood-burning fireplaces, installation can be pricey. It can be even more pricey if your gas supplier has to install an additional gas line to connect to your fireplace. Even the price of natural gas, depending on how much the fireplace is used, can be cause for concern.


Electric
As far as immediate installation goes, electric fireplaces are the easiest to install and use, and they're also inexpensive. They don't require the space that wood-burning or gas fireplaces need and some are even portable, able to be plugged into power outlets. They're incredibly convenient.
They can be the least appealing as far as visual aesthetic. Most electric fireplaces look like you're watching a fire burn on television. They eat up electricity and don't heat beyond the room they're situated. If there's a power outage, electric fireplaces are completely useless.


At the end of the day, it's all about the space you have, the look you want, and what you're trying to save on. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, but while your electric suppliers are gearing up for you to run the furnace, remember an old fashioned heating option that'll warm you, hearth, home, and heart.

Five Easy Ways to Reduce Energy Use In Your Home

The energy we use in our own homes can easily turn into one of our biggest monthly expenses. That's why we are always looking for ways to save on energy costs, whether that means obsessively turning off lights or lowering the thermostat no matter the temperature outside. If you're interested in saving on your electricity bill, then keep reading to learn about five ways to save on energy costs. And for certain areas of the country, these tips are also great opportunities to build up your Reduce Your Use Rewards and save even more!

Check Your Windows

During the winter months, you may not even realize that your windows are a huge source of energy loss. They are one of the most common places for air to leak out, and if left unsealed these air leaks can cost you 20% more on heating and cooling bills. Choosing to change out your windows for energy saving windows, like vinyl framed or tinted windows, can drastically save you money through energy reduction over time.

Update Appliances

Many new appliances were designed to conserve energy. Though they tend to initially cost a bit more, they will ultimately save you more money in the long run than the alternative, while also increasing your Reduce Your Use Rewards at the same time. Be sure to check to see if the next appliance you are thinking about buying can save energy, because that also means it can save you money.

The Great Outdoors

Planting just a couple trees in your yard can actually result in saving money on energy costs. A tree's branches and leaves can shade your home from the hot sun during summer months and break up the wind and snow during winter. While it may seem small, even two or three trees can actually make quite an amount of difference.

Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in a couple months time. While you're away from the house, you can set the temperature to a lower degree that can save you a lot on energy costs in just those few hours that you'll be away. They are relatively inexpensive and provide a huge return on investment by saving you money.

Gadgets

Nearly every gadget in your home runs on direct current. This means, even when not plugged in, their charger is still consuming electricity. It is a good idea to not only turn off all laptops, printers, and coffee makers when not in use, but to completely unplug them and their chargers from the wall. This can save you a lot on energy costs.

Saving energy is often easier than we realize, especially in the home. We hope these little-known tips helped you find new ways to lower your energy costs and save you money.
For more information about your energy options, please visit starionenergy.com.

3 Pieces of Energy Saving Technology You Need in Your Home and Office Right Now

Conserving energy is a conversation that many people in the U.S. and around the world are currently having, and for good reason. Something as simple as a programmable thermostat could save up to 10% on your heating and cooling costs.

Sometimes, energy conservation is as simple at investing in the right pieces of energy saving technology. If you're having trouble deciding which pieces of this technology are best for you, here's a short list of energy saving devices to put in your home or office today.

Solar Chargers
Instead of using outlets or your computer terminal to charge your phone, you should invest in a solar charger. Leave it out in the sun to power up and then boom! You've got a green energy supply for your phone, tablet, or laptop. But before you go out and buy a solar charger, make sure you've got the right cables to charge all of your different devices.

Smart Plugs
Not into solar power? No worries. If you're still into charging your phone the old fashioned way, you probably know how little time it takes to actually charge a phone to 100%. With a smart plug, you no longer need to worry about draining excess energy from your home after your phone or computer is done charging. Once a device's battery hits 100%, the smart plug attachment will cut off power, effectively saving you energy.

Rechargeable Batteries
This is probably one of the simplest fixes you can make if your goal is to save energy and the environment. When a camera or a flashlight runs out of battery life, you're probably used to throwing away the old batteries and opening a new package. But with rechargeable batteries, you no longer need to worry about constantly having new batteries on hand or disposing of old ones. Simply pop the dead batteries into a charging station and then put them back in your device once charging has completed. This is an excellent way to save energy and reduce waste in your home and office.

These pieces of energy saving technology are simple solutions that can make a big difference in your energy consumption. What are you waiting for? Get out there and save some energy.

New Study Finds Customers Prefer Deregulated Energy Markets

According to EnergyManagerToday.com, the study, which was released on March 2nd, found that consumers in deregulated energy environments are significantly more engaged, and ultimately more satisfied, with their energy suppliers. One of the recurring themes was that electricity and energy suppliers in deregulated market “had a far better reputation than those in regulated markets.” 

In a study that surveyed over 1,000 U.S. utility ratepayers, about 68% of those in deregulated markets said they were satisfied with their providers, compared to just 51% in regulated markets. 

Similarly, if predictability and consistency are important to you, then deregulation is right for you, too. Approximately 62% of consumers whose energy suppliers competed in a deregulated environment knew exactly how much their electricity cost last month. 54% of consumers in regulated markets could say the same. 

Finally, if that isn't proof enough for you, one look at the reputation of these kinds of companies is really all you need to know. The majority of deregulated market consumers (62%) thought their supplier had a good reputation. Consumers in regulated markets were not so thrilled, as only 42% said the same about their energy suppliers. 

It's easy for people to tune out, calls for competition and free market policies as industry propaganda, but when you look at the numbers, it's clear that the people actually experiencing this kind of choice are saying the exact same things. 

The deregulation of electricity markets began in the 1970s and today, many states have accepted the idea, along with the deregulation of power companies too. The rising demand for these resources is one of the primary factors behind these recent trends. In fact, electricity use was more than 13 times greater in 2013 than in 1950. The industry has been forced to innovate as a result. According to the Edison Electric Institute, the cost of generating electrons currently accounts for less than half of the price of electricity, compared to accounting for two-thirds of that cost in 1995.

4 Tips to Investing in Renewable Power Sources

Saving money on energy bills is important for everyone. By installing a simple and programmable thermostat, electric bills can be cut by as much as 10%. Over the past few years, more and more people have started to look to renewable energy sources for their power suppliers and as an investment opportunity. If you are interested in either option here are some tips to help you along that path. 

Tips for Renewable Energy Investment 

It is cheaper than people think. Tapping into these to get electricity is becoming easier and easier for people and power suppliers. Solar and wind panels are already being installed on homes and are being used on larger sites. India and China already use renewable energy to power some of their factories. 

Power companies are becoming leaders in using renewable energy. A growing number of companies are looking into renewable energy as a way to fend off any problems that might arise due to fluctuations in the price of power. They also see this as a way to reduce their dependence on government entities. They recognize that any power interruption will hurt their bottom line so they are taking action before governments do. 

Developing counties are where the action is. In countries like the United States, the power grid is pretty stable. The same cannot be said in large parts of the world. The constant threat of a black or brown out has lead many areas to look to renewable power suppliers. That means they are investing heavily in finding and perfecting technology used to create electricity. 

Renewable energy is popular. While some people around the planet may not be as "gung ho" about the prospect of moving from carbon based power to renewable energy sourced. In ares where power suppliers often experience is unreliable, having a backup plan is essential. People see the need for cheaper and more reliable power sources now more then ever. 

People in the United States use about 13 times the power we used in 1950. This has caused a number of new energy suppliers to come into the business of electricity procurement and distribution. This is partly due to the fact that we use appliances and devices that use a lot of power. Our beloved air conditioners can take up nearly 20% of our energy consumption. 

It may be hard for some to grasp how renewable power sources are the future of electrify; but it is imperative for companies and individuals to continue to learn more about these renewable power sources so that we can embrace the newer technologies in our homes and businesses.

Don't Let Your Energy Bill Sap all of YOUR Energy! Simple Solutions to Save Some Cash

What are the top three expenses in your home? If one of them is electricity, then you may be paying too much! The deregulation of electricity markets has caused prices for electricity and energy usage to rise in the last several years, which can lead to unnecessary spending on your part. The average energy bill per household is still approximately $107, which is a bit steep. So if you're looking for ways to save on your next energy bill, here are a few easy and convenient ways to keep that hard earned cash in your pocket.

Turn off the lights!

That's right, doing something as simple as turning off the lights when you're not in a room can save you money! Power companies may generate the electricity you use, but in the end, you're the one paying for it. If you don't need a light on in the house, then leave the light off! Using the sun coming into your house during the day also provides a more natural lighting and allows you to soak up a little bit of the vitamin D!

Keep the heat down!

If you get cold easily, make sure to throw on an extra pair of socks, because keeping your thermostat at a consistently low temperature can save you some cash! In fact, you can save an estimated 10% on your bills by using a programmable thermostat in your home. Don't let energy companies get the best of you! Besides, wouldn't you rather invest in some quality sweaters than another $50 on your heating bill?

Do you really need to blast the AC?

One of the largest uses of electricity is your AC unit. Annually, AC accounts for approximately 19% of residential electricity use, and that's just in the United States! Keeping your thermostat a little bit higher can save you a lot of money! In addition, by turning your AC off for a little while, you can let those cool summer breezes drift through your home. Fresh air never hurt anyone, especially not those energy suppliers.

The deregulation of electricity markets has provided opportunities for you to look into alternative electricity companies. But whatever provider you choose, you should always choose to save your money!

3 Ways to Trim Your Energy Bills

Winter is here, which means your energy bills may start creeping up soon. That is, unless you do something about it. Here are a few ways to keep power companies from getting more of your money this winter. 

Make Sure All of Your Vents Are Open. - It sounds obvious, but it's worth checking to make sure that all of your heating vents are open. If they're not, then your home isn't being evenly heated. Consequently, your heater works harder and harder to get those parts of the home warmed up, which means it uses up more energy, increasing the bill. Go all throughout your home and apartment to double check and make sure your heating vents are open. 

Get a Programmable Thermostat. - Programmable thermostats are great investments. You can set it so it automatically heats up your home when you're home or about to be home, and set it so that your house is cooler when you're not around, so it doesn't use as much energy. Studies show that programmable thermostats can help homeowners save as much as 20% of their heating costs. In fact, they pay for themselves in the first year. 

Turn the Heat Down. - Why keep your house super warm when you can just as easily put on a sweater? You can save between one to three percent of your heating costs just by dialing things down. The optimum temperature is to set your home to 68 degrees when you're home, and 65 degrees when you're away. If you're going to be gone for the day (or at least for five hours), lower your thermostat to 58 degrees. 

It's also worth noting that there are renewable energy companies who may be able to offer you more alternatives. That being said, not all states have deregulated energy markets. Check online to see if your state allows different power suppliers to compete for customers. 

If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.

3 Steps to Conserve Energy in Your Home

It seems as if we see the terms 'green energy' and 'renewable energy' everywhere these days, but how much of a role can you play in those goals as a homeowner? The answer is, you can play a pretty sizable one! Not only would you be helping out the environment by following steps to minimize your Eco-footprint, but also you can actually benefit from it in terms of money saved. There are five main tips to follow when you decide that energy conservation is something you want to take part in:

Talk to your electricity provider.

Many energy suppliers and electricity providers now take their own measures to conserve energy, and you should first check to see if yours is one of them. If yours does not take action on their own, you can consider planning your own energy conservation accordingly.

Account for what you use.

Chances are, you aren't cataloging where you're using energy in a typical day. In order to figure out where you can conserve energy, you should first take a few days to a week and make a list of where you're using energy and for how long. You may be surprised to see how long you leave the TV on when you're not watching it, or how much energy you could save by shutting your computer down every once in a while.

Conserve!

Now you're ready to cut down on your energy use. Electricity providers say that you can save almost 10% on your heating and cooling just by using a programmable thermostat. Or, you can take shorter, cooler showers and save 14 to 18% on water heating costs. Throughout the summer, look for air conditioning alternatives -- it could save you about 19%.

Don't forget: even the smallest things add up! Start saving energy and money now!