Try these simple, inexpensive ideas in your family room or den to stay comfortable year-round.
Time to Save
While you're kicking back on the sofa, little leaks can add costs to your power bills. But you don't have to take these hits to your energy budget sitting down. Swing into gear and combat creeping costs with these quick fixes.
Smart Situating
Keep the air flowing by positioning furniture and other objects away from vents in your home. Adequate, efficient airflow puts less strain on your heating and air-conditioning systems.
Keeping Air Indoors
Install glass doors instead of a fireplace screen to help prevent heated air from escaping through your chimney. You also can reduce air leakage by using the fireplace less often, and by closing the damper after extinguishing fires.
Windows That Work
Put your window treatments to work according to the season. While it's chilly, heat up rooms by letting sunlight in. In warmer weather, keep them cool by using shades, blinds, or curtains to block light.
Power Down
Turn off televisions, stereo systems, DVD players, and other electronics when you're not using them.
Choose CFLs
Replace conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They typically last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, slashing energy costs by up to 75%.
Fast Fact: CFLs
CFLs don't always fit into standard lampshade harps, so take that into consideration when buying the bulbs. Often, the best solution is to purchase a harp adapter or extender, which takes care of the discrepancy.
Courtesy of Alabama Power
More Ways to Save Energy at Home
More From MyHomeIdeas
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
 | Reducing energy consumption is good for your budget and for the environment. Discover simple ways to cut your energy use in every room of the house, and start saving today. |
 | Looking for simple ways to keep your heating costs down this winter? Then consider these low-fuss strategies. |
 | Don't let the up-front costs of energy efficient windows turn you away. These windows often pay for themselves in four to six years, and you'll reap the rewards of energy savings for many more years to come. |
Wondering what the cash for caulkers qualifications will be? Although the legislation is still making its way through Congress, there are some existing programs that offer a strong indication of how the final plan will work. |
What is Cash for Caulkers? Like Cash for Clunkers, this program aims to stimulate the economy by providing cash incentives for people to make changes that will reduce their energy consumption. |
