Did you know that, next to heating and air conditioning, your lights consume most of the energy in your home? In fact, you can lower your electricity bill quickly – and substantially – simply by being smarter about lighting!

First, consider replacing your conventional light bulbs with the energy saving variety. You've probably seen these at your local Home Depot or Rona. Compact florescent light bulbs, for example, use up to 75% less energy!

Second, lower the wattage in some outlets. Is it necessary to have a 100 watt bulb in the furnace room? Try a 60 watt bulb.  

Finally, think before you turn on the lights. Do you really need them on?  Perhaps there's an alternative, such as opening a window blind to let in more sunlight.

Of course, other appliances in the home will also use energy in the home.  Here are a few other tips for reducing your energy bill!

Unplug appliances when you are not using them such as  TV's, stereos, computers and laptops!

Check the thermostat in your fridge!  Fridge thermostats are normally set to 40 degress or lower and may be colder than necessary!

Eat dinner by Candlelight!

Use a booklight rather than having the main light in your room on.

Only do dishes when the dishwasher is completely full!

- Close your blinds in the summer, open them in the winter.

- Turn on your ceiling fans instead of running your AC.

- Clean the filters on your AC unit and furnace, they’ll all run more efficiently!

- Use your phone as an alarm clock. Toss that old school clock radio in the recycle bin.