Mari Takase, a Panasonic staff person, shows off the company’s long-life flourescent bulbs. The 12-watt bulb is as bright as 60-watt bulbs, uses 80 percent less energy and lasts about eight years. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

Use These Tips to Save Money on Energy Bills

Energy and Money This WinterAccording to the government, the average American household spends $1,500 annually on energy bills…a number that may go up as much as 50% this year.

Almost half of that energy goes to heating and cooling your home. Lighting and appliances represent about a quarter of the bill. Home electronic products like computers, TVs, and cell phone chargers take a big share of what is left.

There are ways to save energy and money on your bills:

Seal up your home. Weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping out the top of your house. Seal holes under doors and windows. Roll up a towel for leaks under doors.

Heat your home wisely. Make sure your system performs well by cleaning heating ducts. Set back your thermostat between 60 and 65 degrees when you are asleep or away. You can use a programmable thermostat, which lowers and raises the temperature automatically.

Change a light. Look for bulbs that have an energy star on them. Those save energy, which saves you money.

Turn off computers and electronic products when not in use. Unplug battery chargers and power adapters when they are not in use.

Look for other products that have earned the Energy Star. You can find appliances and equipment that help save energy.

Remember your ceiling fan. Reverse the spin, and set it on the slowest speed to send warm air down.

Get some sun. Open shades and drapes to let in sun, but close them at night to insulate against heat loss.

Save on hot water. Set your hot water temperature at the “normal” setting – no higher than 120 degrees F.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency