Tips: Resolve to save more energy in 2017

Sun Sentinel (TNS)

Since electric bills take a huge bite out of monthly budgets, I've got a few ideas to save much more with little effort.

First, replace ALL incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-rated compact florescent (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

I've resisted buying these lights because they cost more. That's penny wise and pound foolish. CFLs and LEDs pay for themselves and then some. Because the bulbs last for years, they'll keep paying dividends in the future.

The new bulbs showed up on the scene in 2012 and use 25 percent to 80 percent less energy. Replace one 100 watt incandescent bulb with a 1600 lumen CFL and you'll save $6 a year, according to the Department of Energy. I counted 71 bulbs in my house. Imagine the savings! CFLs contain mercury, so dispose of them properly. Lowe's and The Home Depot have free recycling programs in stores, or go to Earth911.com to find local recycling centers.

A few weeks ago while plugging in a tangle of extension cords to decorate our home for the holidays, I wondered how much decking the halls was going to drive up our power bill. Turns out it costs about $10 to light a six-foot tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days with incandescent lights. It only costs 27 cent to use LEDs, according to the Department of Energy.

So, hit up those after-Christmas sales and replace old holiday lights with LEDs at up to 70 percent off. They last up to 10 times longer, are more durable and come with three-year warranties. Buy automatic timers, too, to switch off displays automatically. Don't forget to put that fabulous As Seen on TV Star Shower LED laser on your list!

Older appliances and electronics also hog power, especially anything that heats or cools (ovens, dryers, hot water heaters, air conditioners and refrigerators). Always buy Energy Star certified products and scrutinize information cards to see how much the products will cost in annual energy consumption. Energy Star certified televisions are 25 percent more efficient than older models. Also, laptops require 50 percent to 80 percent less energy than desktop computers.

Energy Star products also keep greenhouse gas emissions out of the air we breathe, so do your part.

Other ways to save:

- Shut off ceiling fans when you leave a room and save $7 a month.

- Use cold water to wash clothes and save $3 a month.

- Run pool pumps two hours less a day in winter and save about $8 a month.

- Insulate your home to reduce cooling costs.

- Turn down the hot water heater from 140 degrees to 115 to 120 degrees.

Make a game out of seeing how much energy can be saved next year. Your wallet - and planet - will thank you.