Creative Ways to Save on energy

(WWLP) - In these tough economic times, every penny counts. 22News is Working for You with ways to save on your electric bill.

Everyone knows to turn the lights off when you leave a room and to only run an air conditioner when you're at home -- but there are a few lesser known tips that may reduce the amount of money you're spending on power.

Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Energy:

• Hand wash and dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher

• Dry multiple loads of laundry in a row so the machine doesn't have to heat up again and again

• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

• Install motion sensors or solar cells on outdoor lights so they don't stay on

Some people 22News spoke with say they’re doing everything they can to save a few bucks.

“I tried to switch over to Energy Saver appliances,” James Burgos of Springfield said. “I try to not run the AC as long and I tried to switch all my bulbs over.”

The Department of Energy also suggests drawing shades on the sunny side of the house on hot summer days.