Summer is a thing of the past and fall is upon us. In some parts of the country, you may already have turned on your furnace during cold nights. In many northern U.S. states, temperatures have already dipped into the 40s and high 30s, and snow has already fallen in some of the Rocky Mountains. Brrrr…..Colder weather is coming and now’s the time to get ready. It’s especially important this year, with energy costs at record highs.

There are things you can do, many of them inexpensive, that can greatly reduce your energy usage and bills. You’ll become greener in more ways than one – good for the environment, good for your pocketbook.

1. Reduce Drafts
   Did you know that a 1/8" space between a
   standard exterior door and its threshold is equivalent to a two square inch hole in the wall? Closing those gaps can save you up to 15% in heating and cooling costs. Fill gaps and reduce drafts coming from exterior walls. Seal around hoses and vents that are outside the house. And use insulation pads for outlets and switch covers that are on the outside walls.
2. Convert to Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL)
   Today’s CFLs use 75% less electricity and last 10 times longer than their incandescent equivalents! You’ll save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
   Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings. Save up to 33% of your annual heating/cooling costs.
4. Choose the Energy Star logo
   Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort.

1. Unplug
   • Unplug seldom-used appliances, like an extra refrigerator in the basement or garage that contains just a few items. You may save around $10 every month on your utility bill.
   • Unplug your chargers when you’re not charging your cell phones, PDA’s, digital cameras, cordless tools and other personal gadgets. Keep them unplugged until you need them.
   • Use power strips to switch off televisions, home theater equipment, and stereos when you’re not using them. Their "standby" consumption can be equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously.
2. Set Computers to Sleep and Hibernate
   • Enable the "sleep mode" feature on your computer, allowing it to use less power during periods of inactivity.
   • Configure your computer to "hibernate" automatically after 30 minutes or so of inactivity.
3. Use Appliances Efficiently
   • Set your refrigerator temperature at 38 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit; your freezer should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the power-save switch if your fridge has one, and make sure the door seals tightly.
   • Don’t preheat or "peek" inside the oven more than necessary. Use a microwave oven for cooking or reheating small items.*
   • Clean the lint filter in the dryer after each use. A clothesline is the most energy-efficient clothes dryer of all!
   • Choose a front-loading washing machine. It uses about 40% less water and about 50% less energy.
4. Fresh Filters
   Keep your air-conditioning and heating systems properly maintained by changing air filters and keeping air conditioner coils clean.