From coast to coast, homeowners are getting hit hard with high-energy bills. In some areas, such as the Pacific Coast, energy consumption has been limited - and consumers are feeling the crunch. To offer assistance during this critical period, GE Lighting has created a simple list of "Top Ten Energy Saving Tips For Home" that will help conserve energy and save money throughout the year:

1. Use Your Ceiling Fan.On warmer nights, ceiling fans can reduce energy use by up to eight percent by making you feel cooler. Conversely, in cooler climates ceiling fans can help redirect a room's heat by placing the fan in "reverse" motion.
   
   
2. Replace Your Light Bulbs With Compact Fluorescent Products. Lighting accounts for approximately five to seven percent of a home's energy costs. GE Lighting's full line of compact fluorescent light bulbs provide significant energy savings over standard incandescent bulbs that they are designed to replace - from $26 to $86 over the life of the bulb - and are now available in sleek new designs, such as the Spiral, Incandescent Shape and Post Light, with long life limited guarantees of five to eight years. Also available in select 3-Way and Dimmable versions.
   
   
3. Caulk Around Windows and Doors. A basic tip, yet caulking can quickly st op air infiltration and increases energy savings. And if you need to replace your windows, look for low U-factor. The lower the U-factor, the greater the heat transmission savings.
   
   
4. Look For ENERGY STARŪ Approved Products. When shopping for appliances or compact fluorescent light bulbs, look for products that have received ENERGY STARŪ certification - meaning that the products meet guidelines for energy efficiency as set by the EPA and Department of Energy.
   
   
5. Install a Light Dimmer. This simple device can help you save big on your lighting costs. For example, an incandescent light dimmed by 25 percent can save 10 percent on energy use and extend the life of the bulb.
   
   
6. Use High-Efficiency Fireplace Inserts. These new products are the most efficient indoor air quality and heating alternative to wood, wax or gas logs. They are also cleaner and easier to operate.
   
   
7. Install Motion Detecting Devices. Easy to install, GE's Motion Sensing Switches and Night Lights save energy by automatically lighting only when the room is in use and movement is detected - great for hallways, bathrooms and children's rooms.
   
   
8. Install a Whole House Attic Fan. This energy saving device also increases comfort. Another recommended addition to the attic is high R-value attic insulation. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating performance.
   
   
9. Place a Water Heater Blanket Around Your Water Heater. The combination of a water heater blanket and setting the thermostat to 120° will help save energy. In addition, select the most energy-efficient water heater you can afford, considering operating costs on the yellow energy label.
   
   
10. Insulate Pipes. This inexpensive tip can dramatically save on energy - simply upgrade pipes exposed to the cold.
    

One of the General Electric Company's major businesses, GE Lighting is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. A leader in lamp technology, manufacturing and marketing in the global lighting industry, GE Lighting has operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Today, the company manufactures approximately 7,000 various lamp products for commercial, industrial and consumer markets.

Click here to view all ENERGY STARŪ approved products at LightingUniverse.com

Copyright 2002 GE Lighting. Used with permission. All rights reserved.