As energy costs continue to rise worldwide, people are thinking more about new ways to conserve energy resources and save money at the same time. There are many easy steps you can take to conserve energy at home. Here are a few ideas:

• Set your thermostat five (5) degrees cooler (or warmer) than usual and think about going five (5) degrees more when you are sleeping or no one is at home. When outside temperatures are mild, turn the heating or cooling unit off completely and open windows if possible. For convenience, you could install a 7-day programmable thermostat.
• Check doors and windows for a proper seal. Weather Stripping is the rubber or vinyl (sometimes metal) seal at the seam and bottom of the door. There should be no air leaks here. Windows should not have air leaks either. Check for missing caulk or sealants. Often, locking windows closes the gap in the panes.
• Turn outside lights and security lighting off in daylight hours. A timer can be helpful.
• Use low-wattage light bulbs where possible. New compact fluorescent bulbs can save considerable amounts of energy.
• Lower the heat setting on your water heater and install a water heater blanket. Better yet, install a tankless demand water heater. Tankless water heaters provide endless heated water and save on energy when not in use.
• Install low-flow faucets and shower heads. Don’t leave water running when you brush your teeth. Take showers instead of baths. Make sure faucets and commodes do not drip or run unnecessarily.
• Air-dry laundry when possible. Clothes dryers are huge consumers of energy. Also, wash laundry in cold water when possible.
• Hand dry or air dry dishes. Dish washing machines use large amounts of energy to dry dishes.
• Do more baking in the cold months and less cooking in the summer months. Sandwiches and cold foods are better in hot weather and baking provides additional heat in the winter kitchen.
• When possible, allow as much daylight into the home as possible. Turn off electric lighting in the daytime.
• Don’t leave televisions or radios on when no one is in the room.
• Unplug all charging devices and most appliances when not in use. Many appliances (such as cell phone chargers) use phantom power even when turned off and left plugged-in.
• Walk, bicycle or use public transportation whenever possible.

These are only a few ideas. Look for ways to conserve energy in your home and lifestyle. Necessity is the mother of invention.