Between the economy and the environment, people are looking around their homes for ways that they can both conserve energy and save money. Fortunately, the two ideas are not mutually exclusive. Many articles have been written that show when you conserve energy at home, you save money. So, what are some of the biggest energy and money wasters for homeowners?

Poor Insulation

The number one energy waster in the home is lack of insulation. The most important room to have insulated is the attic. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly way to insulate your attic, blow-in cellulose insulation is your best bet. Not only is it insect and fire resistant, but it is made of recycled phone books and newspapers. The best part is that it is sold at Home Depot and Lowes, so you don’t need to spend a fortune at specialty home improvement stores to purchase it.

Old, Outdated or Leaky Windows

Whether your windows are single pane or double pane, if they are old, cracked or leaking, you’re losing energy and wasting money. In the winter, leaky windows let in cold air which causes your heating bill to go up; during the summer, leaky windows let the air conditioning out, causing your air conditioner to work overtime. The best way to save energy and money is to install replacement windows. The window-making industry has really worked hard in the past few years to develop new styles of windows that are both functional and affordable. So, homeowners are able to install replacement windows that are eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and won’t cost them a fortune.

Things That Get Plugged In

You thought I was going to discuss light bulbs, didn’t you? Well, changing the type of light bulbs you use can save you money and help the environment, but not as much as those things that constantly demand electricity. Old air conditioning units, refrigerators or freezers, and other appliances use a lot of energy, especially if it is over 10-15 years old. Home electronics are also a huge energy waster. Your computer may be in “sleep mode," but it is still drawing energy into it. Turning off your computer saves much more energy. And, while it is convenient to leave your phone or iPod charger plugged into the circuit, unplugging it when you are done charging saves energy. These simple energy-saving things can drastically reduce your electric bill.

There you have it: ways to save energy and save money that will last years. By simply insulating properly, installing replacement windows, and unplugging unnecessary items around the house, you can save the environment and save your pocketbook!