From Homescape

I’m a palm trees and piña colada kind of gal. So when the snow starts falling and the temperatures start dipping, I respond by cranking up the heat in my house — and I mean way up. But once that outrageous heating bill arrives in the mail, I usually wish I had suffered through the frost bite. But suffer no more. I recently came across a study from The Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit research and consulting firm specializing in restorative and efficient use of energy resources, that compiled energy usage information for the typical American household. They found more than 30 ways that most people can reduce the amount of energy they use at home — without having to pile on layers of clothes to stay warm. Here are six energy conservation tips I’ve started implementing in my own home: 

Energy conservation	Carbon dioxide'saved (lbs/year)	Money saved ($/year)
Install a programmable thermostat	1,071	$58.10
Seal large air leaks in your home	1,489	$80.76
Lower thermostat in winter by two degrees	353	$19.04
Wash clothes in cold water	327	$18.58
Install efficient showerheads	370	$21.01
Insulate water heater	263	$14.95
Total saved per year	3,873	$212.44

The calculations are based on the “average” American home. Since everybody’s home is a little bit different, you may want to consider a more detailed energy audit before undertaking home improvements.

What are you doing to save energy and cut costs at home?