9 Unexpected Energy (and Money) Savers

Celebrate Earth Day! April 22, 2011.

Here are a few surprising ways to cut your energy bill this season.

1. Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It's all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.

2. Switch to a laptop: If you're reading this article on a lamptoop, you're using 1/3 less energy than if you're reading this on a desktop.

3. Choose an LCD TV: If you're among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.

4. Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and ssave 4% to 9% on the average water heating bill.

5. Turn off the burner before you're done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn't cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.

6. Add motion sensors: You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Addition motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light and ensures you don't pay for energy that you're not using.

7. Spin laundry faster: The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you'll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half-which results in an equal drop in your dryer's energy bill.

8. Use an ice tray: Stop using your automatic icemaker. It increases your fridge's energy consumption by 14% to 20%. Ice trays, on the other hand, don't increase your energy costs one iota.

9. Use the dishwasher: If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener thatn powering up the dishwasher, you're wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don't have to wash any dishes.

Information courtesy of House Logic and the National Association of Realtors.