Moms: Five ways to save money on your energy bill

Our household energy bills are outrageous.

My husband blames me because I'm a neat freak who runs the dishwasher constantly. I also like long, hot showers and have a knack of leaving the lights on when I leave a room.

I blame him because he can't live without a giant TV and he refuses to replace the 1812-era windows in our home with ones that are more energy-efficient.

Regardless of whose fault it is, we need to do something before the power company breaks us.

Is your energy bill beating you down too?

Here are 5 tips from Marie Claire magazine to help you fight back.

1. Computers, game consoles, televisions and DVD players account for about 40 percent of your total bill -- even when you're not using them! Get into the habit of unplugging them when you leave the house for the day.

2. Cutting showers from 30 minutes to 10 could reduce your water-heating costs by 50 percent.

3. Wash your clothes in cold water. To save even more, make sure to clean out the lint tray before starting the dryer.

4. Keep your refrigerator full -- it'll operate more efficiently. Also, keep your fridge out of direct sunlight and away from the stove or dishwasher.

5. Replace your old-school lightbulbs with Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs. CFLs consume up to 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer.

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Find more advice for moms at orlandosentinel.com/momsatwork