Here are 17 simple, cost-effective ideas in which going green can save you money. These small investments in energy conservation can pay off big over time.

Fix plumbing leaks. A single drippy faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month.
Add lighting controls, interior motion sensor light switches, dimmers and timers. Motion detectors can increase security and decrease energy used. Timers can be set to turn lights off and on at predetermined times; thus saving energy.
Insulate your hot water heater. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket to store heat. Then set the thermostat no higher than 120 degrees to converse energy. To see if you need to insulate, touch your heater. If the unit is warm to the touch, it needs additional insulation. You could save 25 percent of the energy used in your home.
Replace shower heads and faucets with low-flow heads. Low-flow shower heads can save you between 10% to 16% of water heating costs and reduce your water usage by 20,000 gallons per year.
Install low flow or dual flush toilets. Have them installed in your home and save water. They come with two flush options: The first uses 0.8 gallons of water, and the second uses 1.6 gallons of water. This can reduce your water usage by up to 67 percent compared to the traditional toilet, which uses about 3 gallons in a single flush.
Install ceiling fans in your home. This will cut air conditioning costs by 40% in summer. Also, in the winter, these ceiling fans work to circulate warm air from the ceiling back down to the floor to save heating cost.
Have your dryer exhaust vent professional cleaned. Your clothes will dry faster; which will save you time. Routine cleaning of your dryer vent prevents fires and overheating. You'll save up to 5 percent on your electricity bill. Don't forget to clean your dyer lint screen after every use; and don't overload the dryer.
Plug and caulk overlooked energy leaks around the house! A 1/8" space around your door is like having a brick size hole in your wall. Imagine one of these for every door in the house! Did you know that your light switches can be an overlooked source of air leaks? Hold a wet hand in front of a light switch plate or outlet and if you feel air, you have a leak. Installing foam gaskets behind all the light switches and outlets can stop these energy leaks.
Insulate your doors and windows with weather stripping and save on electricity.
Plant a shade tree on the East and West side of your home to create shade and save energy.
Install a hot water heater timer if you have an electric water heater which can turn hot water off at night and on again in the morning.
Go fluorescent. You can save $35 annually if you replace just four standard incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs which use 66 percent less energy. Also, fluorescent bulbs last 8 to 12 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Replace your light bulbs and reduce greenhouse emissions from power plants.
Replace old windows with new double-pane windows for Florida climate. This can save you up to $400 a year in enegry costs. Stop your energy cost from going out the windows.
Have reflective film applied on your windows. These films reduce air conditioning bills. In addition, reflective film can eliminate interior upholstery fading by blocking UV rays.
Install outdoor solar lighting. It's easy to install and virtually maintenance free. Best of all, it provides free electricity.
Install shades, drapes, awnings or sunscreens to block sun light and keep cooling costs down. In colder times, closing these drapes can retain warm air. This may seem like an old-fashioned and low tech, but it's surprisingly effective and time-tested tactic.
Reuse and Recycle. How about donating perfectly good cabinets, sinks and other appliances to Habitat for Humanity Reuse store? Get a tax write-off, help someone else in need and save room in the landfill – a win win situation.

In many cases, you will save more on your energy bill by making these changes than you will spend on making them!

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, households can save 20%-30% on energy bills by implementing these improvements.

Call . . . 941.918.8051

"Go Green" services available House MD Handyman Services.

*Stats provided by U.S. Dept of Energy
*Some of the projects listed above may require a licensed plumber, electrician or a state certified general contractor.

Here are 17 simple, cost-effective ideas in which going green can save you money. These small investments in energy conservation can pay off big over time.

Fix plumbing leaks. A single drippy faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month.

Add lighting controls, interior motion sensor light switches, dimmers and timers. Motion detectors can increase security and decrease energy used. Timers can be set to turn lights off and on at predetermined times; thus saving energy.

Replace shower heads and faucets with low-flow heads. Low-flow shower heads can save you between 10% to 16% of water heating costs and reduce your water usage by 20,000 gallons per year.

Install ceiling fans in your home. This will cut air conditioning costs by 40% in summer. Also, in the winter, these ceiling fans work to circulate warm air from the ceiling back down to the floor to save heating cost.

Insulate your doors and windows with weather stripping and save on electricity.

Plant a shade tree on the East and West side of your home to create shade and save energy.

Install a hot water heater timer if you have an electric water heater which can turn hot water off at night and on again in the morning.

Replace old windows with new double-pane windows for Florida climate. This can save you up to $400 a year in enegry costs. Stop your energy cost from going out the windows.

Have reflective film applied on your windows. These films reduce air conditioning bills. In addition, reflective film can eliminate interior upholstery fading by blocking UV rays.

Install outdoor solar lighting. It's easy to install and virtually maintenance free. Best of all, it provides free electricity.

Install shades, drapes, awnings or sunscreens to block sun light and keep cooling costs down. In colder times, closing these drapes can retain warm air. This may seem like an old-fashioned and low tech, but it's surprisingly effective and time-tested tactic.

Reuse and Recycle. How about donating perfectly good cabinets, sinks and other appliances to Habitat for Humanity Reuse store? Get a tax write-off, help someone else in need and save room in the landfill – a win win situation.