CFL Bulb

By changing the light bulbs in your house to compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) you can save about $45 in electricity cost per light bulb. Another way to save energy is to implement shading can save up to 40% of cooling costs.

Planting trees in strategic areas will save the home owner about $100 – $250 a year in energy costs. Be sure to turn televisions, computers and DVD players off, not just leaving them on standby, will make a significant difference in how much you will pay on your next utility bill.

If you replace a washing machine that is older than 1994, you will save up to $110 a year on your utility bill. Purchasing Energy Star approved appliances, or even an Energy Star approved new home, you can save your family up to 50% more money than non Energy Star approved appliances.New washing machines come standard with the Energy Star and can be purchased for less than $1000. These washers will not only conserve energy but will also conserve water as well.

Other ways to conserve water is by changing your shower head. For an investment of $10 or less you can save $50 to $75 per year on water bills and $20 to $50 more per year on energy bills (depending on your current shower head and utility rates). Every new shower head should pay for itself within the first year.