Do you have a spare refrigerator in your garage? It is not uncommon for families in the United States to buy a new refrigerator when the old one is still working. Then they put that old refrigerator in the garage to handle the overflow of food and to keep Dad's beer cold. The problem with this scenario is that you take the older, very inefficient refrigerator and ask it to work extra hard in what is often an unheated and an unairconditioned environment. Basically, the older the refrigerator is more of an energy hog. In fact, refrigerators manufactured before the year 2000 use significantly more electricity to operate than today's more efficient units. Unplugging that garage refrigerator can save a homeowner an estimated $100-$200 per year. Some power companies will actually pay you money and dispose of that old refrigerator for you. For example, under the Grid Smart Ohio program from AEP Ohio, the company is paying a $50 bounty on old refrigerators until the end of 2012. In addition, they will come to your home to remove the old refrigerator and dispose of it for free.

Use ENERGY STAR Appliances.

The US Department of Energy tests the efficiency of household appliances and electronics. The most efficient appliances and electronics are awarded the ENERGY STAR label. Families using ENERGY STAR appliances in 2010 saved an average of $150.

Put your monitor to sleep.

Most people do not realize how much energy computers and monitors actually use. Putting your monitor to sleep or in the hibernate mode when not in use can save an average of $60 per year, according to our friends at Grid Smart Ohio.

Check your dryer vent.

Whether you are using a gas or electric dryer, chances are your vent is at least partially restricted, especially if you have never cleaned it. A dryer vent restriction is not only a safety hazard because of the potential for a fire, it is one of the biggest wastes of energy in your home.

If over time your dryer is starting to take longer to dry clothes, the possibility exists that the vent is restricted. Wasting energy and the potential for a dryer fire are the most important issues with dryer vents. However, consider the fact that a restricted dryer vent or even a partially restricted vent causes the dryer to operate much longer than necessary. Unnecessary operation of the dryer puts excessive wear and tear on the mechanical components within the dryer causing premature failure and a costly repair bill.