During an economic recession most other priorities lose the spotlight to saving money. Even the government’s focus shifts from combating global warming to bailing out various industries and providing jobs for the unemployed. While this is all understandable, as it turns out, most energy saving practices actually save money as well. Both of these issues can be tackled simultaneously. Here are a few tips to help you be green and thrifty this year in your own home.

1. Seal Cracks and Openings: One of the biggest wastes of energy, which also drives up costs, is wasted heating and air conditioning. The tiny openings at the bottom of your doors or cracks in insulation and piping, allow heat and air to leak out. There’s no point in cooling your backyard or heating your unused attic. Purchase weather stripping at your local Home Depot and seal off all the doors in your house. For cracks in pipes and insulation, you can purchase spray foams or tape to seal off any openings.
2. Install Fluorescent Lights: It may not be practical to go immediately replace all your light bulbs today, but as each one burns out and needs replacing, buy fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. According to Energy Star, each fluorescent bulb saves 30 over its lifetime by using 75 less energy and therefore lasting 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
3. Change Your Shower Head: Unless you’re one of those people who like to be blasted against the wall with the water pressure of a fire hose, you could probably manage with a little less water. Purchase and install a new lower-flow showerhead from Lowes, which will save water and therefore lower your monthly water bill.
4. Use Curtains Wisely: Home dcor can be a valuable asset in reducing energy waste. During the summer close blinds and curtains during the day to reduce the heat brought in by the sun, which lowers the strain placed on an air conditioner. In the winter, do just the opposite. Opening curtains and blinds will take advantage of the sun’s warmth and reduce heating costs.
5. Wash in Cold Water: Most modern clothing fabrics and detergents can be effectively washed using only cold water. The majority of energy used by a laundry machine goes to heating the water for a warm or hot cycle. Unless a care label specifically calls for it, stick with cold wash cycles.

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