7 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill

Consumer Reports found 7 tips that can be implemented for little or no cost and allow you to save money, conserve energy and shrink your carbon footprint.

Program Your Thermostat Slash your utility bill by adjusting temperatures 5 to 10 degrees cooler at night or when you're out. Yearly Savings: $200

Adjust Modes on Your TV For the boob-tube babies, TV viewing may be your escape from reality, but you can save energy and money by simply switching your TV to "home mode." Yearly Savings: $30-$60 (Reuters)

Reduce Hidden Energy Suckers According to Consumer Reports, between 5% and 10% of electricity in the home goes to devices that draw power even when they're off or in standby mode; videos games and computers are the worst culprits. You can also unplug appliances such as lamps, fans and coffee machines that may draw power even if they aren’t on. Yearly Savings: $125

Ease Up on Your Lead Foot Leave the road rage and "fast and furious" driving behind and obey speed laws. By staying within posted speed limits, you not only conserve fuel but will also avoid the hefty fines and headaches of speeding tickets. Yearly Savings: $200 (Reuters)

Wash in Cold Water Keep the temperature knob on the washer machine on cold and watch the savings add up while you conserve electricity. The warmer the water, the more electricity it takes to heat it up. Yearly Savings: $60 (Reuters)

Seal Leaky Ducts Hire a professional to seal any cracks in your heating and cooling ducts--not only will you eliminate dust in your home, you can slash your energy costs by 30%. Yearly Savings: $400 (Reuters)