Is heating your house putting the heat on your budget? If spending 6% – 12% of your annual income on utilities doesn’t seem like a bright idea, follow these easy and inexpensive tips to save money on your electricity, water, and heating expenses.

Change Light Bulbs: CFL bulbs last ten times longer than regular bulbs. That means that over the light’s lifetime, it can save you up to $60 in electricity.

Pull the Plug on Appliances: 40% of your household electronics’ energy is consumed when the appliances are turned off! To stop wasting energy and money, pull the plug on appliances if you are rarely using them, going away for vacation, or whenever not is use. Another alternative is to use a Smart Power Strip. This device stops the energy flow when appliances are turned off.

Cold Water in the Washer: Washing your clothes in cold-water saves 50% of the energy you would use by washing in hot water. And you’ll keep your colors bright, too!

Minimize Drafts: Save about $30 a year on your energy bill by adding weather-strip around the frames of your front and back doors.

Water Your Greens in the Morning: Save water by starting your sprinkler before the hot afternoon sun has the chance to dry the moisture. Also, remember that the average lawn only needs to be watered one hour a week.