With the cost of utilities on the rise and winter around the corner, now is a great time to look at your home and see if you can make a few changes that will cut down your energy bills. KSFY's financial expert Aaron Maguire has ideas to share on making a few changes, to save energy and money.

How can I save some money with my house?
1) Start with your showers
· Change your shower heads to "Low Flow" shower heads.
· Oxygenics is a low flow shower head that uses approximately 40% less hot water
· It still provides excellent water pressure
· A family of four will typically save about $300 annually
· The cost of the showerheads range from $34.95 to $54.95
· Website is www.oxygenics.com

What about those new light bulbs that are available?
- Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights
· Replace your most frequently used incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.
· Compact fluorescent light bulbs use only a third as much electricity as a standard incandescent bulb.
· Compact fluorescent light bulbs save about 75% of lighting costs
· (CFL's) will last about 10 times as long as regular bulbs

Any other things we should do?
- Every little bit helps.
· When possible wash clothes in cold water…about 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to heating the water
· Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace every 1-2 months - a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home.
· Lower your thermostat by 7 - 9 degrees Fahrenheit while you're sleeping at night and when no one is at home.
· Apply weather-stripping to operable windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and doors that lead to the attic.

To get more tips on saving money, or anything else financial visit www.reliancewealth.com or email Aaron with any questions you might have.