Tips to save energy and cut costs

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - For many of us, saving a few bucks here and there can really add up. What News 4 has found are simple changes that can help you cut costs everyday. Here are a few energy saving tips for the home.

Let's start in the kitchen, first the appliances whenever possible should be Energy Star products, meaning they're approved by the Energy Protection Agency as using less energy and thus saving you money.

Start saving money by making sure your refrigerator is set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit and freezers at 3 degrees.

Test the tightness of the door seal on refrigerators and freezers. If the seal doesn't hold a dollar bill tightly when the door is closed, it's time to adjust or replace the gasket.

Top and bottom freezer units are more energy efficient than side-by-side models.

Bottom freezer models use about 16 percent less energy and top freezer models use about 13 percent less energy.

Though convenient, water dispensers and ice makers can increase energy use by up to 20 percent.

And move the fridge away from stoves, dishwashers and heat vents.

The stove is another place to save.

Whenever possible, use the oven instead of the stove top, the surface units heat continuously, but as a rule insulated ovens heat about one-third of the time it is in use.

Also, avoid opening the oven door to peek; oven temperatures can drop as much as 50 degrees every time the oven door is opened.

It will save you money and energy to use small appliances, such as toaster ovens, microwaves, electric frying pans and crock-pots in place of the oven.

Throughout the house, use one high-watt bulb instead of several low-watt bulbs and use dimmer controls, high-low switches or three-way bulbs to adjust the level of light.

Also, check your water heater and set it at 120 degrees. Some are preset to 140 and can cost you more money.

Try doing your laundry and running your dishwasher during off-peak hours after 6:30 at night and before 9:30 a.m, it all adds up.