Everyone is talking "Green Living" these days! Here are a few simple and cost effective actions you can take to help the environment.

STOP DRAFTS. Check the weatherstripping around exterior doors and replace if worn...this can save up to $30 a year. Also check the caulking around windows at the same time.

SERVICE YOUR FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONER. When serviced regularly helps them to run more efficiently, which can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide burned. This action can reduce your heating and cooling bills around 10%. Higher efficient models can possibly save you more!

KEEP CONTROL OF THE THERMOSTAT. Turn your thermostat down a degree or two for heating and up the same for cooling and you will save up to 5% on your energy bill annually.

KEEP THE HOT IN YOUR WATER. If your hot water heater was installed prior to 2004, wrap it in an insulated fireproof water heater blanket. This can save you up to another 10% on your water heating bill and cut wasted energy.

INSULATE YOUR PIPES. Exposed pipes that carry hot water in your home should be wrapped. Especially in the basement, to reduce excessive loss of heat in your hot water use.

INSTALL LOW WATER FLOW FIXTURES. Installing a low flow toilet, using 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to 3.5 - 4 gallons of standard flush toilets, can save a family of four up to 22,000 gallons of water a year. You not only get a water savings as water conservation but you can experience a possible cost savings of up to $100 per year.

It  is usually the small things that make the biggest difference. In this economy every small savings you can make in your household expenses is needed. You can make changes today and help save the environment for generations to come.