By understanding how energy is wasted, you’ll find that there are a number of things you can do to help conserve our natural resources while at the same time staying comfortable and saving money, too.

There are many very low cost measures you can do yourself .

• Plug up - Air that sneaks out of cracks in or around doors or windows can easily be fixed with caulking, tape or weatherstripping.
• Wrap up - By insulating properly, you’re holding in heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.

A few simple energy saving habits or practices could add up to big savings, in conserved energy use without sacrificing comfort.

Shopping for energy efficient models of appliances will save energy and cost less to operate. Look closely at the yellow and black ENERGYGUIDE on all major appliances. You’ll see that even though one model may cost a bit more you will actually save money over the life of the product because it uses less energy to operate.

Measure 1: Sealing Window Leaks

A loose fitting window is a big energy waster that can also cause uncomfortable drafts. A 1/16 inch crack around a three-foot by five-foot windows leaks as much air as having a hole your wall the size of a brick!

• Caulk between the window frame and walls.
• Tape any cracks in window glass until the glass can be replaced.
• Weatherstrip moveable sashes.

Measure 2: Insulate Windows

Windows also loose heat through their glass but there are several insulation methods available.

• Cover windows with plastic each winter using tape, staples or a mounting kit that allows the plastic to be reused.
• Tightly fitting insulated drapes provide more insulation value than plastic
• Reflective films help hold in heat in the winter and in the summer reflect heat off of windows

Measure 3: Seal Door Leaks

Doors, just like windows, can be big energy wasters. A typical 1/2-inch crack is equal to a 4 inch hole.

• Caulk between the door frames and walls.
• Install door sweeps at the door bottom and weatherstripping around the door frame.

Measure 4: Seal Cracks and Holes in Walls, Ceilings and Floors

Even though windows and doors are usually the largest sources for energy leaks, small holes and cracks can add up and are easily fixed.

• Caulk or stuff insulation around pipes that lead either to your basement, attic or the outside of your home.
• Insulate and weatherstrip your attic door.
• Tape or patch cracks and holes in outside walls.
• Place insulation or foam gaskets at electrical outlets.
• Caulk or insulate between baseboards and walls.

Measure 5: Insulate Hot Water Heaters and Pipes

Even when you’re not using hot water, your heater uses energy to keep a supply ready. Even though hot water heaters have some insulation, an extra "jacket" will help to hold heat in.

• Kits are available for all types of water heaters and can be taped or tied in place.
• Pipe insulation comes in strips for wrapping or as a flexible foam tube.

Measure 6: Insulating Floors and Ceilings

If you think of your home as a box it’s easy to understand how, even though fresh air is important, insulation will reduce air flow.

• Insulate any areas where heated and unheated areas meet such as attic floors if the attic is used only for storage or ceilings if the space is used.
• Insulate around the rim joist areas of your basement.

Measure 7: Install a Clock Thermostat for Heating

Lowering the temperature setting at night or when you are away during the day is a great energy and money saver and a clock thermostat will do this automatically. For weather conditions in New Jersey, each degree your thermostat setting is lowered saves you about 3 percent on your fuel bill.

Measure 8: Replace Light bulbs with Energy Saving Bulbs

Even though lighting is only a small part of your energy use, you can reduce your electric bills with a few simple changes.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with high efficiency bulbs, they will last much longer and save energy, too.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with florescent bulbs, many models are now available.

A few simple energy saving practices could add up to big savings, in conserved energy use without sacrificing comfort.

Practice 1: Water Use

• A five minute shower used less water than taking a bath.
• When washing or shaving, fill the sink rather than letting water run.
• Turn your water heater off if you plan to be away for more than two days.
• If you use a dishwasher, always run it with full loads and turn off the dry cycle to let dishes air dry instead.
• If you have a washing machine, use warm or cold water whenever possible.

Practice 2: Appliance Use

• Air dry clothes whenever possible.
• Use fans instead of your air conditioner as often as possible.
• When using your air conditioner, try to set the temperature a bit higher, keep filters clean and turn it off while you are away.
• Look inside your refrigerator for a "power miser" switch and use it.
• Keep your refrigerator away from any heat source, dust the coils regularly and check the door seal periodically to be sure its in good condition.

Practice 3: Reduce Lighting

• Use a small night light rather than leaving a hall light on.
• Turn off lights whenever you leave a room.
• Put some of your lights on timers for security when you plan to be away rather than leaving lights on.

Practice 4: Using Blinds, Shades and Drapes

• In the winter keep blinds, shades and drapes open on sunny days for free solar energy and close them at dusk to help hold in heat.
• In the summer keep blinds, shades and drapes closed to block direct sunlight and keep rooms cooler.

Practice 5: Reduce Water Flow and Temperature

• Install sink aerators that screw right onto the end of your faucets as well as a low-flow shower head to cut the amount of hot water that you use.
• Turn back the temperature on your water heater. A setting of 120 degrees is usually high enough for most activities.