As fuel and energy costs skyrocket, consumers can save money with a few simple energy-saving measures at home. Most cost nothing and require no more than changing a few habits. Others require a small investment that will more than pay for the price in long-term savings and energy conservation. Watch bills go down after you apply these energy saving hints.

Some of the simplest are the easiest but will save in the long run. Train your family to turn out the lights when leaving a room or going out. Make sure all faucets are turned off tight to prevent unnecessary water use and drips. When your computer and monitor are not in use, turn them off. And if out for the evening, leave no more than a single lamp burning. If going on vacation, unplug your electronic appliances. Some energy is consumed even when they're not on.

Begin energy conservation one room at a time. In the kitchen, let your dishes air dry instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle. Always run a dishwasher full or select the right cycle for the load. If you hand wash, stack dishes in a drainer to dry. Add an aerator to your kitchen faucet to lower its flow to only 1.5 gallons per minute. Invest in a small water heater beneath the kitchen sink. Warm water will be almost instant and won't work the main water heater as hard. Keep all water heaters set to about 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use pots and pans that fit the burner to avoid excess heat use. When possible, use the microwave for cooking instead of the electric range or oven. When using the oven for multiple items that bake at different temperatures, use the average temperature. If baking items that call for temperatures of 325, 350, and 375, use 350. Always use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and only open the oven when necessary—each time you open it, heat escapes. If possible, postpone cooking and baking until evening hours in summer or do them early before the full heat of the day.

Make sure your refrigerator door shuts properly and that the rubber seal (gasket) is tight. A thin application of petroleum jelly around the seal can help it shut and remain tight. Keep your freezer full—it's more energy efficient. If you don't have enough frozen foods, fill plastic bottles or tubs with water and freeze. And vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils monthly. Keep the underside of your kitchen appliance dust and dirt free for best performance.

In the living room and bedrooms, keep drapes or blinds closed most of the day. During the summer months, this keeps heat out and during the winter, it prevents heat from escaping. Invest in a power strip for your home electronics and turn the strip off when the stereo, television, DVD, or video players are not in use. Keep doors and windows closed. Keep your thermostat set at about 78 degrees in summer and raise it about 5 degrees when you go to bed. During the colder months, set it at 68 degrees and lower it to 58 degrees at night. During winter months, dress in warm clothing. Wear a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat. During hot weather, dress light and cool. Be comfortable by wearing short-sleeves and shorts or invest in lightweight dresses.

Conserve water and energy in your bathroom by taking showers instead of baths. Keep those showers to less than five minutes and you can save up to 1,000 gallons of water per month. Check faucets and toilets for drips or leaks, then repair any that you find. Invest in aerators for faucets that cut water usae to 1 gpm (gallon per minute). Faucets without control can use as much as six gallons of water per minute ! A low-volume toilet can also save many gallons of water every month. Drop those used facial tissues into the wastebasket rather than the flushing and save even more. Conserve more water by replacing a standard shower head with a water-saver model that cuts useage to a comfortable minimum.

When it comes to laundry chores, savvy consumers save energy by always running a full load. Don't overload the washer or dryer and be sure to dry similar weight items together for the most efficient job. Use cold water to wash most garments rather than hot. Always clean the dryer's lint filter before each usag and clean out the collected lint behind the dryer monthly. Make certain that the dryer is vented outside and that the vent is tight so no warm air can escape.

Tips that can be applied throughout the home include switching from incandescent bulbs to fluorescent. Keep all lights and lighting fixtures clean—dirt and dust can affect how much electricity burns. Caulk around windows and doors for ultimate efficiency. Clean or replace filters on your heating and air conditioning systems monthly. Check window units to make sure air vents are not blocked and do the same for all vents throughout your home. Blocked airflow can make your system work harder and use more energy. Have heating and cooling systems checked by a professional once each year. A water filter system can be inexpensive but will save both water and money.

Energy saving actions outside your home can include planting trees and shrubs on both the south and west sides of your dwelling. Direct sunlight that raises inside temperatures can be diverted with natural shade. Choose fast growing varieties that require the least watering. Do the same with other plants and flowers. Use an energy efficient garden hose and if you use sprinklers, invest in one that uses the least gallons per minute. Don't leave sprinklers running twenty-four hours a day. For the best results, run sprinklers or water early in the day.

It's vital to keep your home in good repair. Exterior siding is more energy efficient than painting, and the cost will be returned in savings over many years.