Yellowknife (Sep 06/04) - You can help save both cash and the environment at the flick of a light switch says Kaara Pallop, communications manager at Arctic Energy Alliance.

Pallop says that improving the energy efficiency of your home by doing a few simple things can make a big difference.

"The more efficient your home is, the less electricity, heating and water you use," she said.

"You are reducing environmental impacts as well as costs."

Pallop says it's surprisingly easy to save energy at home by making a few small changes. Here are her top 10 tips:

1 - Insulate, insulate, insulate

Consider factors such as climate, building design and budget when selecting insulation for your home.

The Arctic Energy Alliance recommends the following insulating power (in R-values) for the Northwest Territories: 30 for walls, 17 for basement walls, and 51 for roofs, ceilings and floors.

2 - Watch that thermostat

When adjusting your thermostat by hand, remember that the house will not warm up or cool down any faster if you crank up the thermostat past the desired temperature. Besides, it's easy to forget to turn it back down, which will waste energy dollars.

Also, turn it down a few degrees at night or when no one is home.

A programmable thermostat can do all this for you automatically.

3 - Keep your cool

Pay attention to your cooling and ventilation systems. Maintain a regular filter replacement and cleaning schedule.

And don't forget to check ducts and pipe insulation.

4 - Plan for vacation

Don't heat water you aren't home to use. Turn the water heater's thermostat down to the lowest possible setting or turn it off when you are gone for an extended period of time.

5 - Tried and true

Plastic film on the inside of windows is one of the oldest energy-saving techniques because it's one of the techniques that works the best.

If you read the instructions carefully and install the film properly, window film can be almost as effective as another pane of glass.

If possible, use a hair-dryer in the application process -- the film will resist wrinkling and not dim your view.

6 - Brighten up with fluorescent bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same lighting.

7 - Keep your refrigerator cool

Be sure to locate it well away from heat sources such as stoves, dishwashers, etc.

8 - Purchase a front-loading washer

It reduces water consumption, as well as the amount of power and detergent you use.

9 - Strip for the weather

Examine and adjust or replace weather stripping, door sweeps, and thresholds as necessary. Make sure they haven't warped, cracked or broken, and that they're still blocking the space between the window or door and the frame.

10 - Close the 'fridge

Opening the refrigerator door less often sounds simple, but every time the door opens, warm air rushes in and energy must be used to cool it back down.

If you're cooking, get out all the refrigerated items you need for the recipe at the same time. And when you're finished with them, put them back in the refrigerator at the same time, too.