By taking the appropriate steps it is easy to reduce energy bills and protect the environment. The following are some steps that can help to reduce energy consumption:

• Use Energy Star labeled products; Energy Star has a wide array of products in over 40 categories
• Replace light Bulbs: use energy star light bulbs which are 75% more efficient
• Turn off lights in any room you are not using or use lighting sensors or timers
• Use task lighting
• Seal your home: use insulation to close cracks to the outside
• Replace air filters regularly
• Replace your refrigerator if it is more than 10 years old; replace with one that has automatic moisture control
• Run washer, dryer, and dish washer only when full
• Use the "warm" water setting on your clothes washer instead of the "hot" water setting
• When washing clothes, try and wash in cold water whenever possible. Save warm/hot water cycles strictly or whites and hard-to-clean items
• Repair leaky faucets promptly.
• To save water, install low-flow aerators on kitchen and bathroom sink faucets. As much as 280 gallons a month can be saved for a typical family.
• When cooking on the stove top, select a pan size that best fits the burner
• Use less hot water
• Insulate your water heater
• Set your water heater temperature to 115-120 degrees F. The use of higher settings are unnecessary and costly.
• Use a programmable thermostat
• Use shades, drapes, or curtains in summer as much as possible especially on south and west facing windows
• Install non-aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads
• Weatherize your windows