Put Your House On An Energy "Diet"

You could save big bucks and help the planet at the same time by putting your house on an energy "diet."

Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen says the steps involved are basic and relatively simple -- such as turning out the lights, using energy-efficient bulbs, turning down the water heater and thermostat, and insulating hot water pipes.

Koeppen told of the Sicherer family in Fairlawn, N.J. They put their house on an energy "diet" for a month -- long enough to see significant savings that, if projected over the course of a year, amount to more than $1,000.

They were helped by an expert in conserving energy, John Veprek of their local utility, PSE&G.

He pointed out that, "Lighting is between 17 and 23 percent of your energy bill, and it only makes sense that, if you can cut that in half, you're doing a significant amount of savings."

In addition, ""Turning down the setting on the heater and usually turning it down from 140 down to 120 may save between 10 to 12 percent on the heating of hot water."