An energy-efficient air conditioner could help you save energy and money. Here are five reasons it’s time to update your AC. Learn More>>

There are many simple ways to save energy at home if you think outside the box. Here are a few creative ways to be more energy efficient, using what you already have.

• Turn down your water heater temp. During the summer, we tend to take cooler showers anyway. Dial down the temperature on your water heater and you save energy.
• On sunny days, consider using a drying rack or clothesline rather than a clothes dryer.
• Switch the rotation of your ceiling fan when the seasons change to save on air conditioning cost. In the summer, fans should rotate counterclockwise to lift warm air up and out of the room. In the winter, fans should rotate clockwise to push the rising warm air back down into the room.
• Consider the number of devices you have plugged in at a time. Pick a number (say 4 or 5) and try not to exceed that number of devices by turning one off before turning another one on.
• Utilize a smart thermostat. You can schedule your home’s temperature while you’re out and about, plus, your thermostat can “learn” to automatically set heating and cooling schedules based on how you’ve used the thermostat over time.
• When cooking, use the appropriate size burner on the stove. Using a pot or pan that’s too big or too small for a particular burner can lead to wasted energy and longer cooking times.
• Avoid preheating your oven to save energy. Casseroles and some pasta dishes can go in a cold oven, and vegetables and sheet pan meals often will cook just fine without initial heat.