As you can see from the chart below, the greatest opportunity for energy reduction is in heating and cooling your home.

Think of your utility bill not as the "lighting bill", but more as the "air conditioning bill", especially during the summer months. Central air conditioning requires about 50 times as much power as a 75-watt light bulb.

Below are some tips to help you save money and energy:

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees Farenheit (80 when away) in the summer and 68 degrees (65 at night) in the winter.

Always set your air conditioner's fan to "AUTO", not "ON".

Change or clean your air filter regularly, as clogged filters will increase your cooling and heating costs.

In the summer, close shades, drapes or blinds to block and reflect the sun’s heat outward. In the winter, let sunshine in, but close window coverings at night. You will be surprised what a great difference this makes.

Use cold water for laundry, whenever possible, and always use hot water wisely. Report and repair leaks promptly, as a hot water leak can increase your energy costs in addition to your water and sewer service costs.

Use ENERGY STAR labeled products and replace incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Turn off lights when you leave a room.

Making these small changes can save you up to 40% on your energy costs!