Save energy, save a buck

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Americans spend more than $160 billion a year to heat, cool, light and live in their homes. Here are some tips to help cut household bills:

+Laundry. Wash full loads in cold water. This saves money on energy and water. Hang clothes to dry, as opposed to using a dryer, to save even more.

+Lighting. Use compact, fluorescent light bulbs in all lamps. Fluorescent bulbs use less energy and last six to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room.

+Electronics. Many electronics use energy (and money) even when they're turned off. For instance, a cellphone charger uses electricity even if the phone is not plugged into it. Remembering to unplug items like the charger, DVD player, printer or fax machine that aren't used on an ongoing basis can help cut bills. Completely turn off the computer when it's not in use, rather than allowing i t to "sleep" or "hibernate."

+Cable. If possible, bundle the cable bill with phone and/ or Internet bills. This can amount to monthly savings, as can canceling subscriptions to movie channels.

+Kitchen. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, appliances account for as much as 20 percent of the energy bill. Newer, more energy-efficient models save energy and water. When possible, use a microwave or toaster oven to reheat small portions of food rather than an oven. When washing dishes, avoid rinsing if using a dishwasher, and only run the dishwasher with a full load.

+Bathroom. Bathing is the primary use of hot water in most households. Taking short showers instead of baths saves water and energy. Low-flow, aerating showers and faucet heads reduce the amount of water usage.

+Cooling/Heating. Install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the home's temperature settings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a programmable thermostat with its four temperature settings can save up to $150 a year in energy costs. If leaving home for an extended period of time, turn the thermostat off or adjust the setting to conserve energy.

This information was provided by Take Charge America, a nonprofit organization that offers services including financial education, credit counseling, and debt management. For more information, call (800) 823-7396 or visit www.takechargeamerica.org.