10 Simple Ways to Shrink Your Energy Bill

These days it seems as if everyone is looking for new ways to save money, especially around the house. Making your house energy efficient is a great way to save now, plus a great investment for your home and the environment.
This Old House  magazine has a list of 10 tips to help you save on your energy bill. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Choke your chimney: There is no cost involved and you will reap the benefits immediately. By installing a damper, you can save about 8 percent of furnace-heated air.
• Seal those air leaks: This is a relatively cheap fix, with the cost of supplies running around $30 to $50. In the long run, you’ll save 10 percent or more—that’s between $50 and $170 a year—on your heating bills.
• Tune-up your heating system: Save at least 10 percent on heating bills with a regular tune-up. The cost is usually around $100.
• Buy Energy Star appliances: Energy Star products can be pricey, dishwashers start around $230, but when you consider that about 20 percent of our electricity bill is spent on running such appliances, it will be worth the extra money.