It's that time of year when our energy and water bills start creeping up. Here are three tips from GE on how to keep them in check. For more information, visit caulkyourhome.com.

  • Caulk gaps and cracks: Sealing gaps and cracks with silicone caulk and insulating the home can reduce total energy costs by up to 10 percent. Silicone is waterproof and permanently flexible, unlike acrylic caulk. And silicone won't shrink or crack. In addition to saving hundreds of dollars a year, caulking a typical home will reduce C0² emissions by 1,700 pounds.

  • Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs : CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs. The price of CFLs has come way down. Many local utilities even distribute them for free. Replacing three incandescent bulbs with CFLs will reduce C0² emissions by 300 pounds.

  • Install a low-flow shower head: High-efficiency shower heads can cut hot water demand by an estimated 40 percent and reduce C0² emissions by 350 pounds.


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