I will be honest with you. I had a run in with Consumer Reports a while back so they are not my favorite organization. However, they do have some solid tips that will save you some money without you really realizing it. All you have to do pay more attention to the little things. Here is the list of things they recommend. Obviously, they detail each item on their site so if you are interested, have at it.
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Hang it up
- Let the dishwasher do the work
- Don't overdry your laundry
- Put your PC to sleep
- Turn down the heat in the winter, and turn down the cool in the summer
- A cold hearth for a warmer house
- Lower the shades and raise the windows
- Put a spin on home cooling
- Take care of your air conditioner, and it will take care of you
- Spend less for hot water
- Think twice before turning on the oven
- Use the right pan
- Read the label
- Dust off the Crock-Pot
- Clean the coils on your refrigerator using a tapered appliance brush
- Drive steadily--and a bit slower
- Roof racks are a drag
- Stick with regular
- No loitering
20 free ways to save energy, an excerpt from Consumer Reports' "Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs"
