The choices we make every day not only impact our wallets, but also the environment.

To help you choose a sustainable lifestyle, while also saving on energy costs, we have put together a simple list of energy-saving tips.

• Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator every 6 months.
• Cook in the early mornings or at night to reduce the need for air conditioning.
• When possible, use your microwave and toaster oven to heat up food. It will reduce your energy consumption by about 70% compared with your full-sized oven.
• If you’re already using a hot-wash cycle, there’s not need to use heat dry setting on your dishwasher.
• Open your blinds and shades during the winter to let sunlight in. Close them in the summer to cool down your house.
• Install light timers for your landscape and exterior lighting.
• Install ceiling fans to supplement your heating and cooling system. During the summer, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. Reverse the blades in the winter to push warm air near the ceiling down into the living spaces.
• Look for the Energy Star label, the government’s symbol of energy efficiency, which can help to save up to 30% on related electricity bills
• Reduce your water heater temperature to 130° F and wrap your water tank in a specifically designed blanket to retain the heat.
• Use low-flow faucets and shower heads to save on water bills.
• Seal air leaks and insulate properly to save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills.