6 Quick Tips to Save Energy – And Put Some Cash in Your Pocket

Washing clothes in cold water saves $40 per year and 80- 90% of energy used in washing. Did you know Americans pay 1 billion dollars a year to power TV and VCR while they are turned off?
Install a power strip and put an end to phantom power once and for all – and save up to 10% off your power bill in the process!

Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs:
Save $30 over the life of the bulb
Use 66% less energy and last 10x as long
Replacing 17 bulbs is the same as taking one car off the road for a year

Change your furnace filter every month. It will save you up to 5% on your heating bill – and cut down on those pesky dust bunnies in the process!

Program your thermostat. Did you know up to 75% of people with programmable thermostats don’t use them? It only takes about 5 minutes to insure you are not heating and cooling your home unnecessarily while no one is home. Program to 78 degrees in the summer and 62 degrees in the winter – and save up to $100 a year.

Get an Energy Audit. You can set them up through Xcel Energy for as little as $35. The standard audit offers a thorough examination of the home’s energy efficiency and usage and is conducted by certified energy auditors. The auditors prepare a personalized energy report detailing improvements that will make your home more comfortable and decrease your energy bill at the same time.