To save money in the household budget, it seems that our grandparents were right in many ways when they said, “Open the windows, turn on a fan, wear a light jacket if you’re chilly, and let your clothes air dry.” Their advice was good for the planet and their wallets, and it is practical advice for families today for the same reasons.

Here are a few energy saving tips to help keep more hard-earned money in your wallet this spring instead of having it go out the window:

You may be happily surprised at the effects of your everyday conservation efforts, not to mention the great cost savings you can expect. And all this can be achieved without drastically changing your lifestyle.

Little Things Mean a Lot

You need not deprive yourself of important things to be environmentally friendly and save money, too. It’s the little things that count. Saving little bits of energy and resources will make a positive impact on your budget, however tight it may be.

For example, in summer, raise your air conditioning thermostat to just 78 degrees to save energy—and money. It’s not necessary that you freeze yourself to feel cooler. Air conditioning systems, whether central or window units, first reduce humidity, which automatically makes you feel cooler. A couple of degrees warmer will become just as comfortable as the temperature you’ve been using.