Ways in which to Save Electrical Energy

Heating and Cooling Tuneups

• Get an HVAC inspection and tuneup on your heating and cooling equipment. Hire a certified technician to perform an annual checkup. Plan to pay between $50 and $100 for an inspection, but you can save electrical energy in the long run by making sure your furnace and air conditioner are running at peak efficiency.

Energy Star Products

• Buy new energy-efficient products and appliances. In 2009 and 2010, the federal government offered tax credits on eligible Energy Star appliances, so check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency to see if you qualify for future tax credits and incentives. An Energy Star product can make a big difference in energy use. An Energy Star television may only use 5 watts of power, versus 35 watts for a non-Energy Star television. Switching to Energy Star products can save a significant amount of energy.

Seal and Insulate Ducts

• Sealing and insulating ducts can improve energy efficiency 20 percent or more, according to Energy Star. Ducts that move air around in your home are big energy wasters if they're not properly insulated. Buy caulk and weather-stripping to plug up drafts in windows and doors. Insulation materials may also be eligible for federal tax credits.

Use CFL LIght Bulbs

• Swap incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). This can help save energy costs. A 15-watt CFL bulb puts out the light equivalent of a 60-watt incandescent bulb, so switching one incandescent for a CFL can save you $35 in energy costs over life of the bulb. CFLs use less energy and generate less heat, so they are great ways to save electrical energy.

Turn Things Off

• One of the best ways to save electricity is to turn off lights and other electric sources as soon as you are done using them. Some appliances, like computers, televisions, telephone chargers, video game systems and DVD players, still draw power when they are turned off. Five percent of electricity usage in the United States is caused by appliances on standby power, according to a January 2009 Detroit News article, "Find Ways to Save Money on Electric Bill." Use a surge protector power strip to plug in your home electronics, and then turn off the switch when you are not using your TV, computer, video game system or chargers.

Programmable Thermostat

• Program your thermostat. Your air conditioner uses a significant amount of electrical energy, and a thermostat can help you save energy every day. Turn down your thermostat to save energy when you are not home and when you are sleeping. According to Energy Star, shifting your thermostat settings can cut your electric bill by $180 a year.