Saving energy isn’t difficult, but it’s not automatic. You need to plan to buy energy-efficient appliances and to develop energy-wise lifestyle habits. 

Here are 11 easy things to do around the house to save electricity and pare down your energy bill:

1. Install a programmable thermostat to help you save energy while you work and sleep. 
2. Wash your clothes in cold water and do only full loads. 
3. For dinner, choose a meal you can cook in the microwave, slow cooker or pressure cooker. 
4. Don’t preheat the oven unless making bread. 
5. Keep your refrigerator full but allow air to flow between items.
6. Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 F to save money and prevent scalding. 
7. Unplug second refrigerators or freezers if you can’t keep them full. Otherwise, fill vacant space with water or ice. 
8. Use your clothes dryer’s moisture sensor cycle. This shuts it off when clothes are dry even if the cycle hasn’t finished. 
9. Turn off the drying function on your dishwasher and crack the door to allow dishes to air dry. 
10. Shut off your computer if you will be gone for more than 20 minutes. 
11. Unplug cell phones chargers, laptop batteries, and other small appliances when not in use.