Everyone wants to save money, and when we conserve resources and use them in the most efficient possible way, we not only save money, but we protect our environment. IDT Energy has a few easy, smart suggestions for ways to save on the energy that you use around your house.

1.    Consider linking your electrical outlets to wall switches. Many electronic devices such as cell phone chargers, televisions and computers continue to use electricity even when they are not turned on or in stand-by mode. This is called “phantom power” which uses a small amount of power, but over time can begin to add up. It is estimated that phantom power might actually compose up to 10% of an average electric bill. One way to really turn off these devices so that they are not drawing any power is to link them to the wall switch, and turn them off at the wall. You can achieve the same goal by plugging these devices into power strips with switches that you turn off when not in use.

2.    Install a programmable thermostat. For about $50 you can save upwards of $150 per year by having your heating and cooling systems turn on only when you are at home. The thermostat will also lower the power output when the heating/cooling system is not needed as much, such as when you are asleep, automatically.

3.    Switch to CFLs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use around 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, and can last up to 10 times longer. This converts to an estimated $30 saved in the cost of electricity over the lifetime of the bulb. Go visit the IDT Energy Store for a nice selection of CFLs for your home and office.

Originally scheduled to last from February 12, 2010 until February 21st, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority decided to extend the “Great Appliance Swap Out” program until the funding runs out. The program was endowed with $17 million in order to give rebates to consumers who purchase energy-efficient appliances including refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers. So far the NYSERDA has distributed up to $555 rebate per purchase amounting to over $7.7 million in rebates so far. New Yorkers can continue benefiting from this unique program until all the funding is gone.

One great way to save money this year is to lower your water heating costs.  IDT Energy wants customers to benefit from energy savings.  For each 10 degrees that you reduce the water temperature,  you can have savings of between 3-5% in energy costs.

Many people think that their water heater thermostat needs to be set to 140 degree Fahrenheit.  This temperature actually poses a potential safety issue, since water at this temperature can be scalding.  When you reduce your water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you will save money without even noticing the difference in the water temperature.  Now, if you have a dishwasher with a booster heater, you may need the water temperature to remain within the 130 degree Fahrenheit range for the best cleaning.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the White House has earmarked more than $80 billion for clean energy investments.  These investments include everything from making a smarter grid to move renewable energy from rural places to cities, to low-income home weatherization projects.

In addition, it includes $4.5 billion for federal building green initiatives and to cut the energy bill.  It also includes $600 million in green job training programs.  Another interesting initiative is the $2 billion that has been put aside in competitive grants to help companies to develop the next generation of batteries that will store energy better.