Energy is a vital resource which is often taken for granted. Without it, our lives would be entirely different. We would be without lights and lamps, gas and electric, air conditioning and heat. It is a necessary commodity for us day in and day out. With such high demand, it is no surprise that energy comes at a cost- to our ecosystem and our checkbooks. Fortunately, within our own household there are many simple ways to conserve energy, as well as time, money and the environment.

First and foremost, it is important to begin monitoring your energy expenses. Knowing where the majority of your energy is being spent will help you know how to more efficiently cut back.  To better track your usage, you might also consider purchasing a plug load monitor. This device can be plugged into an outlet and will display how much energy is being consumed and when. Some are even programmable to automatically cut power.

Next, turn your attention to your house’s lights. If you are not willing to let go of any lamps or radiant bulbs, then you may want to think about a dimming switch. Dimming a light by just 10 percent will more than double a bulb’s life. Another option would be motion sensors for outdoor fixtures or indoor rooms that are not used as frequently or purchasing LED or fluorescent bulbs.

During the brisk winters, it can be difficult to manage the heating bill. To help these costs, you should lower your thermostat when you leave the home or during the night, minimize the use of expensive portable heaters, be sure not to block any air vents and utilize the sun’s heat by leaving shades and blinds open during the daytime. Similarly, much can be done to keep a home cool in the summer. Make use of ceiling fans, close exterior doors and windows when the air conditioning is on, block the sun by pulling blinds and shades, clean the AC’s air filters and set the thermostat to “auto” rather than “on” when air is constantly running.

These quick and effective tricks will keep your home running in tip-top shape while keeping your energy costs and usage down.