Going solar is one of the best Energy Investments you will ever make. Depending on your energy use, how hot or cold your climate is, how old your house is, you may or may not be able to pay off insulation, new windows and doors, new air conditioners, new furnaces or new water heaters in your lifetime. Many of these ideas are expensive and may have poor payback periods. On the other hand, there are many small inexpensive changes you can make without changing your lifestyle.

1. Buy a Kill A Watt meter to measure each appliance in your home. Cost around $25-30.
• A Kill A Watt meter allows you to measure all of your appliances
• You can see how much each appliance is costing you
2. By a Smart Power strip for your computer, monitor, printers, modems, routers and speakers. Cost $30-40
• When your computer "goes to sleep", the smart power strip turns all other appliances off
• This can save you $75 per year or more
3. Buy a Smart Power strip for your TV, satellite or cable set top box, DVD player or other electronics. Cost $30-40
• When your TV is turned off, the smart strip turns off all peripheral equipment
• This can save you $25 per year or more
4. Replace your Coffee Pot with a Cuisinart Dual Wall Thermal Carafe Coffee Pot. Cost $70
• This can save $233 per year
5. Install a programmable thermostat. Cost $30-70
• This allows you to turn down the Air or Heat when you aren't at home
• This can save you $200 per year

Summary. These quick tips can save you $533 per year with minimal cost.

If you have a pool, seriously consider buying a two speed pump. By running your pool on the lower speed, you will save another $300-400 per year.

REDUCE ENERGY BILLS YEAR ROUND Catalina windows are among the most efficient dual-pane windows ever built. If you live in Orange County, CA, contact one of our partner companies, Web Roofing and Windows.  

Ceiling fans provide cool breezes in the summer and circulate warm rising air in the winter, helping you reduce your energy bills

Have a barbeque. Get out of the house, turn off the electric oven and save energy. Use a gas grill, though, and have fun.

Did you know that you could reduce your lighting load by 75% by changing to low power light bulbs. A normal light bulb burning 24 hours a day for a month at the top tier can cost up to $36/month.

A programmable thermostat can save you a lot of money. They are inexpensive and easy to use. Don't use air conditioning and heat while you are away from home during the work week.

Purchase a Kill A Watt Meter to monitor your household applicances. Plug in that old refrigerator and see how much it is costing you per month.