Winter is upon us once again; and whether it is cold enough outside to send shivers down your spine or just cold enough to be pleasant like in the southern states, there are many tips one can use to save on electricity. If not careful, winter can bring forth high energy costs. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy what the season has to offer, but you need to think of ways to keep energy costs down. The U.S. Department of Energy offers sensible tips and suggestions that are useful and inexpensive to follow.

Make sure your heating system is properly maintained. For $75-$100 you can have your furnace or your heating pump serviced by a professional, over time the service will pay for itself in energy savings. Your water heater is another area where you can affect your energy bill. Simply lowering your water heater's thermostat by 10 degrees can save anywhere from 3-5 % of your energy costs. If you are replacing heating appliances this year, buy Energy Star labeled products. In the long run these appliances will save you hundreds on your energy bill, cutting your average costs by up to 30%. Finally, remember to plug in any air leaks around windows and doors with caulking. This simple task can save you up to 10% on your monthly bill. Follow these sensible tips and you won't break the bank while still enjoying the comfort your home has to offer this winter.

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It seems that talk of "going green" is everywhere these days, but not everyone is ready for major expenses like buying a hybrid vehicle or installing solar panels. Try out these inexpensive ways to make your lifestyle a little greener.

The production of paper from trees uses a great deal of energy and is one of the leading causes of water pollution. Finding ways to decrease the use of paper products in your home is an excellent way to help the environment. Try using micro fiber cloths instead of paper towels for clean up around the house. The thousands of fibers on these cloths do a great job of capturing dirt, and they are machine-washable so you can use them over and over.Another environmentally friendly option is using cloth napkins or bandanas instead of paper napkins. If you can't do without paper napkins, look for those made with recycled paper.

Another way to go green is by skipping the plastic or paper bags at your grocery store and bringing your own reusable bags. Billions of plastic bags end up in landfills or as litter. These plastic bags put toxins into our soil and water as they breakdown. Many grocery stores have inexpensive reusable bags for sale, or you can get something a little more stylish from a variety of online sources. Reusable bags aren't just for the grocery stores either, consider taking a cloth tote on your next shopping trip to the mall.

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