With winter on the way and heating cost on the rise, it is a good time to start making your home or rental energy efficient. The cost savings can be tremendous as well as the knowledge that your home is becoming environmentally friendly. Here are a few tips to reach some goals towards energy efficiency:

-Light Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs produce a lot of heat and are very inefficient. Replace your home lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs use 25% of the energy that traditional incandescent bulbs use. These bulbs also last a lot longer than incandescent bulbs. Remember, they get brighter after they have been on for awhile.

-Solar Outdoor Lights
Today's solar outdoor lights are not only cost effective, but the designs are really nice, too. The bonus is that their energy is paid for by the sun.

-Upgrade Appliances
Think you can't afford a new refrigerator or microwave? Think again. Replace your appliances with Energy Star rated appliances. You will save in the long run and rest contently knowing you aren't wasting energy. Old appliances use too much energy.

-Programmable Thermostats
When you are headed off to work,is there any reason to keep your thermostat at the same temperature used while your home? This is a big waste of energy and we don't always remember to change the setting before we leave. With programmable thermostats you basically just hired an assistant to take care of this for you.

-Light Dimmers
Dimming your lights can save anywhere from 10-50% in electricity and can extend the bulb's life by 20 times making your home more energy efficient.

-Window Shades
Invest in window that can open at just the right time of day allowing you to let the natural light into your home and close when the sun is too hot.

-Solar Panels
Solar panels on a south-facing roof can provide enough energy for electricity for your entire house. Today's solar panels looks like roof shingles.

-Variable Speed Air Handler
Using a variable speed air handler is another efficient means to cooling and heating your home. With a quiet start up and not as abrupt you can count on less noise and a more efficient flow of air through your home. It works with both heating and air conditioning.

There are many more ways to have an energy efficient home. Begin small and work your way up to bigger ticket items. The savings recognized by small changes will entice you to become totally energy efficient.