Being energy efficient can save money on your energy utility bills.  The high cost of oil shows up quickly in your electricity, gas and oil.  Use less to reduce your bills.

One quick way to save is to turn the temperature down on you hot water heater to 120F.  Then turn your house thermostat down 2 or 3 degrees for heating and up for cooling.  Even a couple of degrees can save up to 10%.

Here are some additional suggestions:

·         Visit the U.S. Department of Energy site for many suggestions on how to save energy and money today.  Other countries have similar sites.

·         Consider using Energy Star products and home improvements

·         Use this online measure to see how you are doing

·         Have an energy audit done on your home.  An energy audit will show you where you are losing energy and money and make suggestions for improvement.  Improvements include recommendations for energy efficient appliances, lighting, air leakage, insulation, heating and cooling and more.

·         Take advantage of government and utility sponsored programs to reduce energy usage.  Grants and low interest loans are widely available to help pay for improvements.

·         Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs and replace your most commonly used incandescent bulbs with these more energy efficient bulbs.  Each bulb can save about $30 over the life of the bulb.

·         Turn off the lights and appliances when you leave a room.

Reduced energy use not only lowers your costs but it is also a good thing to do for the environment.  Conservation is a good thing all around.  There are dozens of things you can do around the home to save energy.  Read up and take action.  The internet has great resources and there are good books on energy conservation.

Here are 35 more great ways to save money.