We’re all familiar with the term “energy hog”... those things around your house that are sucking the life out of our environment and our bank account! By making some simple changes – or replacements – to items around your home, you can help save both.

Following is a list of the top nine energy suckers; some of them may surprise you!

1. Single-pane windows. As much as 40% of the energy lost homes (especially older ones) is through single-pane windows. Think about it, with single-pane windows a tiny sheet of glass is the one thing separating your home from the climate changes outside. If you live in warmer regions where air conditioning bills are higher, you can apply solar film to your windows or invest in solar window shades to reduce your cooling bill from 10 – 20%.

2. Poor insulation and weather-stripping. Drafty doors and windows can be one of the biggest energy hogs in your home. This is especially true in older homes where there is insufficient insulation, particularly in the attic. One of the easiest ways to add needed insulation is to blow in cellulose insulation, a green product made from recycled newspaper and phone books. However, all the insulation in Home Depot won’t help your home maintain the proper temperature if there are holes around your doors and windows. Install weather stripping under doors and peel and stick weather-stripping where the door meets the door jamb. Check places where pipes and wires enter your home for areas where energy can escape.

3. Water heater. Be sure that your water heater is set at a base temperature of 120 degrees. Your water will still be warm enough for your shower, but you’ll save money by not having to heat as much water. And because baths generally use more water than shower, you can save money by standing up to bathe.

4. Older model refrigerators/freezers. Of all your home’s appliances, the older model refrigerators and freezers use much more electricity than the newer energy-efficient ones. If you’re one of those people with an ancient spare refrigerator out in the garage, decide if you really need it; if you can do without it, get rid of it now! Second refrigerators can be accounting for as much as 10% of your total energy bills. If it’s time to buy a new refrigerator, look for the Energy Star label when shopping and select a model with the freezer compartment on the bottom, as they are more efficient. Many stores will take away your old one, and many electric companies will come remove your old refrigerator and pay you for it!

5. Standby power. This type of power – also referred to as phantom power – is used to keep your electronics in a standby mode, ready to turn on faster. This phantom power accounts for about 5% of all power used in our country! Start by identifying which appliances or electronics in your home are using power when in the “off” position and put them on a power strip with a power button. There are now power strips available that can detect when the main device is off, and turn off all of the devices associated with it, such as DVD players, printers, etc.

6. Incandescent light bulbs. This type of lighting has been around forever and has gone through little change over the years. Fluorescent lighting is a much more efficient way of lighting your home. Homeowners can save up to 7% on their energy bill by replacing their incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and turning them off when not in use. Compact fluorescent bulbs now come in many different colors for outdoor fixtures. You can get a size designed for almost any kind of fixture; however, most dimmer switches do not work with compact fluorescent lights.

7. Outdated HVAC units. These definitely rank near the top of the energy hog list. Many older units – or very inexpensive newer models – have SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings) that are half of the newer, energy-efficient models. By replacing your old units, you can save up to 50% or more on your cooling and heating bills. There are currently a number of rebates available to homeowners who invest in energy-efficiency measures by replacing their old HVAC units.

8. Older laundry appliances. This is another major energy hog. These older washers and dryers - especially top loading models - use much more electricity and water than newer front loading models. One of the reasons that older dryers use so much electricity is that the washers that accompany them do not wring out as much water on the spin cycle. Of course nothing is more efficient than the old-fashioned clothes line; they are available in space-saving options to fit any yard.

9. Smaller items such as digital picture frames. You may not immediately think of something so small as an energy hog, but if every household had one – running ‘round the clock – it would take up to 5 power plants to energize them. Other small energy hogs include mobile phone chargers and laptop power adapters that continue to draw energy even when the devices have been disconnected.