How to : Save Money On Energy This Summer

Al Gore is an alarmist. And don't get all bent out of shape thinking I don't like the color GREEN! I was born/raised in Wenatchee, WA, went to college in Seattle, and my parents and uncles owned most of downtown Seattle in the '40s and '50s.
Washington State and Oregon are two of the most green and beautiful in the USA.
I also know Mother Nature always bats last.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. However, the way this country is screwed up now, you might as well take control over budge-busting energy bills this summer. You homeowners may also get some cool federal, state and municipal government tax credits and rebates, too. Here's a couple ideas:
   (1) Cover your water heater with an insulation blanket. Cost? Less than $30 bucks and saves you up to 9 percent on electricity.

2. (2) Get a programmable thermostat. Cost less than $100 and saves 10 percent on cooling/heating because it presets temp for different times.
   (3) Caulking. Seal doors, windows, light switches & vents. Cost: $8.00
   (4) Weather Stripping. $15 bucks will block leaks around doors and windows.
   (5) Power Strips: Cost: $5.00. When the TV, computer is off they still use energy. You can disconnect entirely by using centralized strips.

3. (6) Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: One of Al Gore's big deal items.
   They cost about $3.50 each (13 watt) and could save you about $9 bucks a year per bulb. But 13 watts won't even light up a toilet seat in the middle of the night when you have to pee. Gore must have been sipping a Mai Tai, when he tried to force this on the public. No thanks, Al.

Tips & Warnings

• Some of the stuff mentioned in this article is just common sense and something you homeowners should have been doing anyway without some politician telling you.
• Watch out if one of the fluorescent bulbs break. Tiny pieces everywhere to step on.