Helpful tips to help you save money and energy:

According to www.energysavers.gov Americans spend more than $160 billion a year to heat, cool, light, and live in our homes. With energy bills on the rise this year, there are many ways to cut costs on energy.

· Turn down thermostats a degree or two, especially when you're not at home, or install a programmable thermostat to do the work for you to save up to 10 percent on your heating costs.

· Clean or replace heating and cooling filters once a month or as needed.

· During the heating season, keep draperies/blinds on your sun-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight and heat your home.

· Close drapes at night to help reduce heat loss.

· During the cooling season, keep the drapes closed to prevent the sun from heating your home.

· Close any vents in unoccupied rooms.

· Seal up your home -- One of the most cost effective ways to reduce energy bills is to air-seal holes, cracks and openings in your home and then add insulation to stop the flow of heat through the walls and ceiling.

· Replace the five most frequently used lights, or the bulbs in them, with one's that have earned the Energy Star, and save more than $60 each year in energy costs.

· Power down computers and electronics products when not in use -- Computers and other electronics account for an increasing energy load in most homes, and often use energy even when switched off.

· Repair or replace leaky faucets.

· Wash clothing with cold water whenever possible.

Energy Star

Look for many products that have earned the Energy Star -- The government's Energy Star is on more than 40 different kinds of products the home, including lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment and appliances. Energy Star qualifying products provide the features and performance you want while helping you save energy.

For more information and helpful tips on saving energy, visit:

www.energystar.gov

www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips