It's, well, illuminating to scan a list like this and realize that little changes in your home can add up to big dents in your power bills.

For example, only run your dishwasher with a full load. Clean your dryer's lint trap every time you use it. Keep your fridge full. And we understand you want to check on those muffins, but opening up your oven unnecessarily during baking will extend the amount of time it needs to be working for you (and did you know that flat bottomed pots and pans are superior for energy efficiency?)...

Reduce Electricity Used by Electronics and Appliances

• Unplug chargers when not in use.

  
  

• Set your computer to "hibernate" mode.

  
  

• Use power strips to turn off power at the source for:

  
  

  • Televisions

    
    

  • Home theater equipment

    
    

  • Stereos

    
    

  • Computer equipment

    
    

• Turn off and unplug appliances and equipment when you're away for long periods of time.

Wash Up Wisely

Using less hot water conserves energy. Newer appliances are made to be more efficient than they used to be, but there are still several ways you can cut down on energy use.

• Set hot water heaters to 120 degrees F when you're at home, and "Vacation" when away.

  
  

• Take short showers instead of baths.

  
  

• Use the dishwasher’s energy-saving button to air-dry dishes.

  
  

• Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded.

  
  

• Dry clothes on a line when possible.

  
  

• Wash clothes in cold water.

  
  

• Clean the dryer’s lint screen after each load.

  
  

• Run the washing machine with the lowest appropriate water level.

  
  

• Wash only full loads of clothes.

Make Your Swimming Pool More Efficient

Your swimming pool can consume a lot of energy. Here are some things to try.

• Install a timer on the pool pump.

  
  

• Clean the strainer baskets and filters often.

  
  

• Cut back on the hours the filter operates.

  
  

• Use a pool cover.

  
  

• Consider applying a monomolecular oil, such as HeatSavr, to the surface.

Cook Efficiently

When we cook, we usually think about the meal ahead, not about saving energy. Next time you prepare dinner, keep these pointers in mind.

• Don’t open the oven if you don’t need to.

  
  

• Use flat-bottom pots and pans.

  
  

• Match pot sizes to burner sizes.

  
  

• Cover pots with tight-fitting lids.

  
  

• Use the lowest possible heat setting.

  
  

• Use the microwave oven as much as possible.

  
  

• Choose glass baking dishes when possible.

  
  

Get the Most from the Refrigerator

Refrigerators use a significant amount of energy, almost constantly, to cool and freeze your food. There are some things you can do, however, to reduce your costs.

• Keep the refrigerator full or nearly full.

  
  

• Keep the fresh food section between 34 and 40 degrees F.

  
  

• Keep the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees F.

  
  

• Be sure gaskets are clean and tight.

  
  

• Clean the coils several times a year.

[Image: istockphoto]

Now, imagine if everyone on the block followed these energy tips. And then it spread to the entire neighborhood, then your whole town...! We urge you to share this list with your friends and family. You can sign up for more tips on how to keep your home optimized in every season at homeminders.com/gnfree. Growers and Nomads readers get a two-year free subscription!