American consumers have been stung by rising home energy bills, which are averaging more than $1600 annually. The Alliance to Save Energy projects home energy costs increasing by 9 percent by 2010. This bigger bite out of the average household wallet each month leaves fewer dollars to cover other important expenses.

According to the National Fuel Funds Network, 30 million American households each year cannot afford fully to heat or cool their homes.

You and every other consumer have the power to lower your energy bill by making a few simple changes. Small, inexpensive ways to cut down energy usage during household tasks like washing laundry can add up to significant savings.

Tide Coldwater and the Alliance to Save Energy, one of the world's premiere energy efficiency organizations, dare consumers to take the ColdWater Challenge and wash their laundry in cold water. This change can save up to $63/year for the average consumer. To reduce home energy bills throughout the year, the Alliance suggests these easy tips:

* Take the plunge! Switch to washing your clothes in cold water with a detergent like Tide Coldwater, specially designed to clean in colder temperatures. You could save up to $63 a year!

* Do full loads of laundry and dishes to avoid wasting energy and water. Air dry dishes for additional savings.

* Clean the dryer lint filter after every laundry load to improve air circulation and quicken drying.

* Dry towels and heavier items separately from lighter-weight items when doing laundry.

* Take showers instead of baths, and install a low-flow showerhead.

* Fix leaky faucets around the house. Consider water-saving faucet attachments.

* Insulate your hot water pipes and water heater with approved insulation materials.

* Listen to your mother. (“What do you think -- we own the electric company?!”) Turn off everything that's not in use: lights, TVs, computers, electronics.

* Four for the planet. Replace your four most used incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

* Clean or replace AC/heating-system filters monthly.

Courtesy of ARA Content