Are you an energy hog?

January 30, 11:57 PMLA Budget Decorating ExaminerTara Etienne

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It goes without say that during these tough economic times few of us have the luxury of being able to splurge on home décor. Most of us will plead guilty to wasteful spending when we're outside our homes (not brown bagging lunch and buying instead of brewing the daily caffeine fix) but we often throw money away before we even walk out of the front door.

• Unplug any appliances or electronics not in use. Take a look around and you're bound to find something: toasters, lamps, DVD players, cell phone and camera chargers. Even if an item is off it still consumes energy.

• Switch to energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. They're admittedly a small investment up front but will save you in the long run. Lighting makes up 20 percent of the average home's electric bill. A CFL bulb uses up to 75 percent less electricity and lasts up to 13 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. Consider switching to a CFL in the rooms you use the most. (CFL bulbs contain Mercury and cannot be thrown away in the trash. Contact your town recycling center or 1-888-CLEAN LA for hazardous household waste disposal.)  

• On warmer LA days use a fan instead if air conditioning and keep your curtains drawn to keep out the heat from the sun's rays.

• Los Angeles winters are short but cool nevertheless. Before you crank up the heat, try adding an extra layer or wrapping up with a warm blanket.

• Don't let the water run when washing dishes or brushing your teeth.

• Wash only full loads of clothes. And forego the hot water - most machine washable fabrics are perfectly fine in cold water.