How many environmentalists does it take to change a light bulb?

Just one and it can make a huge difference in your energy bill!

If every American home replaced just one traditional incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb, we would save more than 600 million dollars on annual energy bills and enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year. That's a lot of power! CFLs last ten times longer than traditional bulbs and use 75% less energy, saving you $30-$60 per bulb. How many bulbs do you have in your house? Yes, CFLs are more expensive, but well worth the upfront cost. AND, Duke energy has implemented a program to provide households with free bulbs. Call Duke to find out how to get your free CFLs.

Also maybe just as important for our Earth, this cost savings results in a reduced demand for energy and delays the need for new power plants. Especially coal burning plants that badly pollute the air.

Did you know that you can call Duke and schedule an energy audit of your home? It's free! They really want to save you money and make you a happy customer. Duke also has a voluntary program you can sign up for to monitor your energy usage. You will receive a reduced rate on your energy usage. Go to Duke's web site to learn more. http://www.duke-energy.com/

While you're waiting for your Duke audit (it takes a few days), these crisp autumn days are perfect for winterizing your home. It's easy and will save you substantial money on your energy bill. Check all your windows and doors for leaks around the edges. Use caulk on exterior window gaps and install weather stripping around your doors. You can even buy foam insulation squares for your exterior wall outlets. It's easy...just unscrew the plate, place the foam square on it and screw it back in. It really makes a difference.

You can also insulate your water pipes in the basement. These foam tubes are also available at the hardware store and are super easy to install.

Futher winterize your home by changing the direction of your ceiling fans. Warm air rises, so ceiling fans help to circulate warm air near the ceiling back down to the living area. Set the fan on reverse to turn counter clockwise. Ceiling fans cost no more to run than a light bulb.

Turning your thermostat down 1-2 degrees will result in savings as well. If you don't have a programmable thermostat, get one and install it to really start saving on energy costs. Set the thermostat to kick on before you wake up in the morning and to go back down when you leave the house. Be sure to program it for before you get home from work and before you go to bed. This really is a smart, efficient way to control the climate in your home.

Finally, be sure your furnace filter is clean and that air circulates freely through the system. A clogged furnace filter makes the furnace work harder and less efficiently, costing you money! If you have pets, change your filter more frequently.

Also, be sure your duct damper switches are set correctly. Many people ignore the ductwork and wonder why certain areas or rooms are colder than others. The duct handles should be in the open position.

For those of you interested, the humidity level in your house should be between 30 and 40 percent. The more humidity, the warmer it feels, and your skin doesn't feel so dry.

The good news is that gas energy costs are predicted to be lower this year than last. Most homeowners heating with gas will spend less money to heat their homes this year. With a little winterization effort, your costs can be even lower.