How energy efficient is your home? Here are several of the most effective ways to save energy — and money — at home. Have you taken these simple steps to becoming a more ‘green’ homeowner?

• Change your light bulbs. Switch out your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), which cost just a few dollars more. But you’ll save about $30 over the bulbs’ lifetime, and they’ll pay for themselves in about 6 months.
• Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is an easy way to control your internal climate. It works by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature to your schedule. That means you won’t waste energy when you’re not home. Already have one? Newer models are even better at helping you and your family save money. Check them out!
• Lower the temperature on your water heater. This can trim some money from your utility bills. Plus, it’s not good for your skin to take really hot showers anyway!
• Upgrade your appliances. Energy Star appliances use between 10 and 50 percent less energy and water than their conventional counterparts. Many utility companies and municipalities provide rebates or other incentives for customers to swap out old appliances for new ones.