AMERICUS — Are you looking for an easy way to save money this year? One of the easiest ways you can save money is to be conscious of your energy consumption. Did you know the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Make an effort to lower your carbon footprint and you may be surprised at the effect it will have on your utility bills. Jorge Atiles, Extension housing specialist with the University of Georgia, recommends several no-cost and low-cost ways you can save energy:

• Water heating accounts for about 14 percent of your utility bill. Set your water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees.

• Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher drying cycle.

• Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.

• When washing clothes, use the coolest appropriate setting.

•Electronics continue to draw electricity when plugged in, even when turned off! Plug home electronics into power strips, and then turn the power strip off when equipment is not in use.  Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use. Unplug the phone charger when it is not in use.

• Keep refrigerator coils (in the back) clean of dust; this will improve the performance of your refrigerator while at the same time decrease the amount of energy used.

• Check to see if the damper on the fireplace is open. When not in use, the fireplace damper should always be closed; when open it allows heat/air conditioning to escape.

• Seal air leaks around windows and doors.

• Lighting costs account for about 10 percent of your utility costs. Replace 15 traditional light bulbs with energy-saving bulbs and you will save $50 a year  — and more than $600 in energy costs over the life of the bulbs.

• Adjust your thermostat. During the winter, lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night.

During the hot months, raise your thermostat to 74 degrees and use fans to make your home more comfortable.

• Change your air filters regularly.

• Manage your home’s exposure to the sun. In the summer, close shades, drapes and blinds during the day to prevent sunlight from heating your home. During the winter, keep shades, drapes and blinds open during the day to let sunlight naturally heat your home.

Talk with your family and get everyone in the house to make a commitment to save energy.

Saving Energy = Saving Money and Saving the Environment.

For more low-cost and no-cost tips visit UGA’s Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Science website at www.gafamilies.com/housing or visit the Energy Star website at www.energy.gov



Mitzi Bacon is Sumter County Extension agent/Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. Contact her at 924-4476.