There are so many ways to save energy that many of us fail to do on a regular basis. The average home spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. But you can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time! Follow these tips and you’ll save money in no time!

• Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.
• Surprise! Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let dishes air-dry to save even more!
• Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool.
• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room.
• To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., or anytime an electricity emergency is declared.
• Do your laundry efficiently by using the warm or cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes. (Save: 4 percent)
• Line dry clothes whenever you can. (Save up to 5 percent)
• When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use. (save: 0.5 percent)

Even if you follow only half of these tips, you’ll soon start saving energy!