Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent ones that use less power.  Use combined photocell/motion sensor controls for exterior lighting.

Use your dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer only when you have enough dirty stuff for a full load!  Check your water heater temperature and set it at 120 degrees and look at purchasing a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand; heating water only when needed and saving natural gas!  Check for energy rebates from your local government and federal offers for washers, dryers, tankless water heaters, refrigerators and other home appliances.  Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances.  It means the products meet strict energy-efficiency standards.

Rebates are offered for refrigerators, air conditioners, pool pumps, windows and more.  Check with your utility provider and simply purchase a qualifying product, complete a rebate application and mail it in with your purchase receipt to receive your rebate check. 

Remember that you can avoid appliance use between noon and 7 pm to help reduce peak energy demand that can cause power emergencies.

Turn off computers and monitors when you are not using them.  Plug electronic equipment into power strips and turn the power strip off when the devices are not being used.  That's because even though the equipment is not being used, it is still using power.

With the water shortage in Southern California and recent rate increases it is also important to use water wisely.  You can reduce water consumption by taking shorter showers, installing low flush toilets and shower and faucet controls.  Watering lawns and gardens in the early morning and late evening will help to reduce evaperation.

If you are thinking about buying a home, be sure to examine past energy bills and get a written home energy inspection report issued by a professional property inspection service.  Get the home's energy rating and consider a Home Energy Efficiency Mortgage.  These are products that allow a homeowner to get a bigger loan, part of which covers the cost of the energy improvements.  And they provide mortgage insurance for a person to purchase or refinance a principal residence and incorporate the cost of energy-efficient improvements into the mortgage.  The borrower does not have to qualify for the additional money and does not make a down payment on it. For more information check out  www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/energy/apply/fha.cfm  Check with your lendor about this and other ways to pay for energy effeciency improvements after you move in.