Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill: Go Green

You can save money and be green when you help the environment by changing all of your old light bulbs to the new Energy Star energy saving light bulbs that produce less waste. Not only do they last longer, but they use less energy than the old style light bulbs that can save you hundreds every year on your electric bill.

It is not considered being green to waste our resources. Water equals money and every day your toilet tanks flush out gallons of water costing you money. Older toilet tanks that have not upgraded to a low-flow toilet use 3 to 5 gallons of water every time you flush. Many people cannot afford to upgrade during these hard economic times but still want to do their part in conserving water and save money at the same time. Here's how: simply fill up an empty bottle or container with water and leave in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water that is expelled when you flush your toilet. An empty 2 liter bottle or an empty half gallon jug is suggested.

Water is a precious resource and should be conserved whenever possible. Go green by watering your lawn and plants every other day, and only do your watering before 11am or after 4pm. Instead of putting your sprinklers on a timer, water your lawn and plants by hand. This will reduce water waste from your sprinkler system running during the rain. Try keeping a bucket or watering can outside to catch the rain so that it may be used to water plants the next day.

Everything you plug into an electrical outlet can potentially drain your home of energy and you of your money. Unplug all of your unused appliances. Even if certain items are not being used at the moment they still can be using energy by just being plugged in; cell phone chargers and AC adapters are the usual suspects.

Re-insulate your attic and re-seal all windows and doors - this will cut down on hard hard your air conditioner or heater has to work to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. It will save a lot of money during the winter especially in the upper states where the cold can creep through any exposed crack or opening. Your home will stay toasty and warm all winter long and cool all summer long. Think of all the money you can save without buying firewood unless you want to. Right now you can get a tax credit when you insulate your home with certain specifications. Check www.homedepot.com for details on how you can receive this tax credit.