Conserving electricity and other resources has become the new norm. Compared to a few decades ago the average American household is more conscientious about the financial and environmental impact of electricity usage even as our dependence on electricity rises. Think about how many electronic devices there are in your home compared to the house you lived in twenty or thirty years ago. Entertainment systems, personal computers and their accessories and even small appliances make our lives easier but our plugged-in world is having a big impact on our planet and our pocketbooks.

When starting in earnest to monitor electricity usage in your household, first take a look at the biggest electricity-guzzlers. Your home’s heating and air conditioning units account for the largest portion of your electricity usage. Other huge electricity consumers are the clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator and water heater. The lighting in your home also accounts for a lot of your electricity demand. By addressing conserving electricity used by the biggest drains, you can significantly reduce your usage by adopting some simple habits.

The average household can save thousands of dollars per year by replacing outdated appliances with energy efficient models that reduce electricity usage. Using space heaters in the winter and ceiling fans in the summer will save on the cost of heating and cooling your entire house. Just by lowering the thermostat a couple of degrees in the winter and raising the air conditioning a few degrees in the summer can add up to significant energy conservation. Be sure to adjust the heat and air conditioning to moderate levels when you are not home.

Try lowering the temperature on your water heater by a few degrees to conserve energy when bathing and washing dishes. Chances are you won’t even notice the difference and the savings will add up over time. Wash clothes in cold water and limit the use of your clothes dryer. Use drying racks or a clothesline to not only save on your electricity usage and bills but extend the life of your wardrobe.

We all know by now that compact fluorescent light bulbs known as CFL’s use less electricity and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. The common-sense advice to turn off the lights when you leave a room is sound. Just by replacing bulbs and being vigilant about turning lights off that are not being used can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings. Limiting your use of electronic devices like televisions, computers and video game systems will help your bottom line. When these devices as well as small appliances like toasters, coffee makers and clothes irons are not in use, unplug them. These are minor ways to conserve electricity but will add up over time.

Keep informed about federal and manufacturer rebates offered for big expenditures like major appliances. When replacing an older model, shop around for ones that offer a rebate. Investigate available tax credits offered for installing things like high-efficiency water heaters, roofing, insulation, energy-efficient doors and window and solar panels.

If you are thinking about switching from your electric company to a new electricity supplier or