Thanks very much for the additions, Chuck. Awesome tips.

1. Use power strips for computers, laptops, tvs, game consoles, dvd players, microwaves, etc. When you are done, turn off the power strip, not just the devices. Almost all devices use electricity just listening for the “on” from the remote control. The same goes for anything with a “brick” such as computer printers, scanners, and phone chargers for instance.

2. Replace old appliances (including central air and heating). Chances are that old refrigerator is grossly inefficient.

3. Consider propane / natural gas appliances in place of electrical (water heater, clothes dryer, water heater, stove and oven).

4. Take showers in the afternoon or evening (especially if in a warm climate) to save on water heating.

5. When the weather is hot, try cooking on your grill or an outside burner in order to not add heat to your house (which your A/C unit then has to pump outside)

6. Buy compact fluorescent or LED bulbs to replace any incandescent bulbs. Check the less obvious places like the fridge, freezer, garage door light, lights inside closets.

7. Install wind-up timers in place of on/off switches for bathroom fans. Most people switch the fan on and leave the room, and forget to ever go back and turn the fan off. A wind-up timer turns it off automatically after 30 or 60 minutes. Many models fit in place of your existing switch.

8. Get a programmable thermostat, and throttle down your heating and cooling at night and when you’re not at home.

9. In hot weather, turn on your ceiling fans. It makes things feel cooler, so you can set your A/C temperature a degree or 2 higher and still feel cool enough.

10. During the day, open the shades instead of turning on a light.

11. After you make coffee, turn off the pot. Put the hot coffee in a carafe, or just microwave that second cup when you’re ready for it.