Summer is just around the corner, and that means if you’re likely most people you have been thinking about ways to save money on your electric bills. Follow these helpful hints to do just that.

As startling as this is, remember that approximately half of the energy used in a home is for heating and cooling. Thus, taking care of these specific appliances in order to make sure that they do not suck up energy is highly important. Steps for doing so include changing the filter regularly, tuning up the equipment, and sealing and insulating the ducts. You also might look into a programmable thermostat that changes the temperature when the home is unoccupied or the occupants are asleep, for instance, thus reducing the energy used.

Household Appliances – There are dozens of different large and small appliances scattered throughout our homes, we do in many ways depend on them. Just a brief list of these, all of which eat up energy, include televisions, computers, AC units, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, lamps and many more. You can help lower associated costs by looking for highly rated, energy efficient models that take less energy to run and provide the same benefits.

Next to the heating and cooling costs, the second largest energy expenditure in most families goes to heat the water they bathe with and use to clean dishes. Purchasing a water heater that offers advanced technology and is an energy saver will definitely lower your energy bill. Lighting

Lights – Just keeping the lights running in your house can cost you a lot of money, usually around 20% of your total energy costs. You should replace all of your standard light bulbs with more efficient CFLs, which are the spiral bulbs you see in stores. Not only do they use 75% less energy, but they last 10 times longer. This will result in big savings in terms of the purchase of new light bulbs and month to month energy costs. Don’t forget to flick off the lights when you leave a room as well.

Small Electronics – You may not realize it but even when a small appliance is in standby mode, meaning it’s not in use but it’s ready to be used, it is still eating up energy by displaying lights or time or keeping the unit quietly running. Look for models that can be easily turned completely off, or opt to unplug small electronics when not in use.

Office Electronics – From computers to printers, faxes, scanners and other pieces of office equipment, these devices could be costing you a lot of money. Start by always turning every piece of equipment off when not in use, and save even more money by buying energy saving models.

Following these quick and easy suggestions will help you save hundreds of dollars in energy costs.