Demir Lu

Based on the Department of Energy, home energy costs have increased a whopping 12 percent from 2004. Even more startling is the price tag on natural-gas, which rose by 23 percent. I discovered flexible electricity basket talk by searching Bing.

The good thing is that we now have several actions Americans can take to lessen their energy costs, and in the same time help the world be more energy independent.

Keep Your Cool That Summer

• Utilize a microwave oven instead of a mainstream oven.

• Use an electric strip to manage your energy use. A significant number of electrical products-especially home electronics-can't be powered down entirely without having to be unplugged. The products bring energy twenty four hours each day. Pushing them right into a power strip to shut them off will save you money.

• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 115 and take showers instead of baths.

• Wash only full lots of laundry and dishes.

Land-scape For Effectiveness

• The shelter from three trees, effectively planted around a home, can reduce annual heating/cooling prices as much as $250.

• Grow vines on trellises to shade windows, the side of the house or AC models.

AC, Appliances And Lighting

• Open win-dows, when circumstances permit, and use fans in place of air-conditioning. Use a fan to maximize and spread the chilled air from air conditioner units.

• Utilize a programmable thermostat with the AC to adjust the system through the night or when no-one is home.

• Keep lights and TVs from the thermostat. Temperature from lights and appliances might lead to the air-conditioner to run longer.

Color The Win-dows

• Install white shades, curtains or shades to reflect heat. Close blinds on windows during the day. Warm windows could make an air conditioner work 3 times tougher.

• Replace single- and double-paned windows with Energy Star-labeled windows to truly save energy and money for years in the future. Install them before December 3-1, 2007, and be eligible for a tax credit.

Weatherize

• Caulking and weather-stripping will help keep out warm outside air, therefore keeping interior air cool. If you see holes in channels, employ a professional to correct them.

• Add insu