on how to save energy and money in your home, while caring for the environment:

• Plug energy leaks with weather stripping and caulking, and be sure your house is properly insulated — you can save up to 20 percent on heating/cooling bills, and make your home more comfortable.

• Clean or change filters regularly. A dirty furnace or air conditioning filter will slow airflow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool.

• Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10 percent on cooling and heating costs.

• Wash clothes in cold water. Heating the water in a washer uses 90 percent of the energy used to wash clothes. According to Energy Star, by switching to cold water, you can save $30-$40 every year.

• Use energy-efficient light bulbs including halogen incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs to reduce energy use by as much as 80 percent.

• Turn off all lights, appliances and electronics not in use. Better still, use a power strip and turn off devices and lights that are not in use to cut standby power, to save $100 a year on your electricity bill. “We know that using energy wisely to lower monthly electric bills is important to all of our residents,” said Jeff Kohrs. “While we are sharing these tips during Public Power Week, we hope our community will keep an eye on energy efficiency all year round.” Nebraska City Utilities offers a variety of programs to help you use energy wisely.