By Colleen Rothe

The New Depression is showing no signs of letting up. Jobless numbers in the United States are still high.

Many Americans are spending more money just to work – longer commutes, higher childcare costs, even having to pay for new educations or vocational classes to make themselves more marketable. But in order to handle these extra expenses, you’re likely going to need to cut back in other areas.

Kill the Standby: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household spends more than $250 a year on standby power. This includes all those “vampire” chargers for cell phones, computers, etc. Those devices are pulling energy even when we’re not using it. If there’s a big box half way on the plug, like a computer, or cell phone charger, part of the plug itself, it’s probably a vampire device and sucks energy even when not in use. Set up power strips, so when you turn off the TV, you turn it completely off. Flip the power switch on the power strip and watch your energy bills go down. Also keep your computer equipment off when not in use, and put your computer in sleep mode between work sessions. A side effect of killing the standby is that power plants produce less energy, and thereby less pollution. So, more money in your pocket and cleaner air in your lungs.

Close the Drapes: You can reduce the cooling load by closing drapes during the day and doing heat-producing activities such as running the dishwasher at night. Average saving is about $50 a month.

Air Filter Dance: You’re probably tired of hearing this from me, but replace your air filters monthly and clean the indoor and outdoor coils. A well-maintained heating and cooling system runs more efficiently, again, putting more coin in your pocket.

The Full Load: Always do full loads of laundry and dishes to make the most of each cycle. Not only does it save you energy costs, but also time and water.

Mother Always Said to Shutoff the Lights: And good ol’ Mom was right. Flip off the lights and other energy-using devices when you leave a room. Or even better, use natural day light. Get blinds on your windows to help with reducing the cooling load, but allowing light to filter in.

Cold Water is Good for the Soul: As well as your energy budget. Wash clothes with cold water using a detergent formulated for cold water cycles and clean your dryer’s lint filter after every cycle.

A Little Help From a Fan: If you have central air, set your thermostat higher and put in some ceiling fans or well-placed oscillating standup fans to help you feel cooler and circulate the air, while letting your cooling system not to work so hard in the summer heat.

Big Time Investments Equal Big Time Savings: If your home’s appliances don’t have the Energy Star label, you’re likely spending enough on energy to pay for a new more efficient appliance. Getting a new Energy Star dryer, will likely pay for itself in less than six months (dependent upon the size of your household, it could be less). The same goes for air conditioning systems. If you have a room unit, it should have an Energy Star label; if it’s a central air system, it should have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating of 14 or better.

What hot saving tips do you use during these hazy summer days?