I took in the Energy Fair in Topeka.  It was quite timely, as I’d just replaced some light bulbs in my house with the new LED lightbulbs.  If you happen to drive by my house at night you will see how bright it is, we are not trying to grow anything in doors!

The average family spends $1900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling costs.  My guess this is about half of what it costs to live in the country or on a farm. 

Changing out your light bulbs to the newer LED lightbulbs is one way to save energy.  One of the demonstrations at the Energy fair, was 6 LED lights using the energy of just one conventional 60-watt bulb.  Sure they cost more, but they also cost less to run and they last longer.  Just make sure you get the amount of light you really need.  If you change the bulbs out in the five most used light fixtures in your home, you can save at least $65 each year in energy costs.

In fact, changing out the light bulbs is on the top ten things to do to save energy dollars.  You can also,

Close shades and drapes during the day to keep the heat out in summer.  Put all of your tv, cable boxes, printers etc. into a power strip so you can easily turn them off during a vacation or if you’re going to be gone over the weekend.

Of course this is the time of year to caulk around the outside of your home. Make sure to get all those internet, telephone, gas, water spigots and dryer vents, any opening to the outdoors.

Change your air furnace filter monthly.  If you use a dishwasher use the air-dry cycle instead of the heat-dry cycle.  If you have a garage keep the door down, a warmer garage in the winter and a cooler garage in the summer will save energy.

Set water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees F.  Make sure your dryer vent hose is not kinked or clogged.  Make sure your refrigerator door seals are tight.

It’s threatening to freeze in early October, we could be in for a cold winter!!  Save yourself some heating dollars, so you can have more fun money!