Looking for ways to save energy and lower your energy bill? Here are five easy tips!

Check for Air Leaks

Unidentified air leaks in your home can waste energy and get costly. A common culprit is uninsulated switches and outlets. Athin metal or plastic switchplate isn't enough to prevent air from getting through the wall, so it takes more energy to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills. Try the tissue test to see if outside air is slipping inside. 

• Make sure the electricity is turned off
• Remove the switch/outlet plate and cover the opening with a tissue affixed to the wall at the top with painter's tape, like a curtain
• If the tissue billows, you've got a leak

Dollar Bill Fridge Test

Every fridge has a seal (the rubber gasket that goes all the way around the door). A fridge with a broken seal will have to work harder to keep the cool air from escaping the unit. Here’s a simple test to make sure your fridge is working.

• Open the refrigerator door and, starting at one edge, close a dollar bill in the door with enough sticking out so that you can grab it. Pull the bill.
• If there is a little resistance, you’re good to go. If the bill slides out with no effort, your seal is not as tight as it should be and needs to be replaced.

A Dry Towel in the Dryer

Sometimes it seems like drying a load of clothes takes forever. You can reduce drying time by tossing a dry towel into your dryer with damp clothes. The towel acts almost like a sponge absorbing the excess water, leading to a reduced drying time. 

• Toss in a clean, dry towel
• Set the drying time to about half what you normally would
• Begin checking the laundry when the dryer stops, increasing the time by 5 to 15 minutes, as needed

Find Energy Wasters

Get an energy checker such as "Kill-a-Watt. The detector will tell you how much energy an appliance or electronic device is using even when it’s turned off. You will be able to see how much “phantom energy” your devices are using. This will make it easier to make energy-saving adjustments such as unplugging devices when not in use so you can take charge of your electricity use.

Call a Pro

While you can do a basic check yourself, you may want to call in a professional, who can likely find home air leaks that you might miss. A good place to start is the free home energy audit program offered by Mass Save.