Save Energy and Cash at Home

Oct. 17, 2006 — -- High energy costs and a barrage of environmental warnings have prompted many to think about simple ways their household can save money and save the planet.

ABC News' Chris Cuomo and his wife invited "Good Morning America" to tour their home and shared some of their environmentally friendly ideas.

Becky Worley, "Good Morning America's" technology contributor, sat down with Cuomo to discuss his energy-saving tactics and what he -- and everyone -- can do to be more environmentally savvy.

Because washing and drying clothes employs electricity, water and chemicals all at once, Cuomo recently got new appliances that are known to save energy. When washing clothes, he and his wife stay away from hot water so they can conserve electricity. The same goes for the dryer -- they stick to the lower-temperature settings.

For people looking to conserve energy in the laundry room, Worley said it was worthwhile looking into a tankless water heater, which can be beneficial throughout the home.

"Today, manufacturers are making tankless water heaters that allow you to heat water on demand. These are the most efficient systems," she said.

Buying a new water heater isn't the only way to conserve.

An insulation jacket can be fitted over a traditional tank water heater to keep extra heat inside the tank from escaping. Adding insulation to pipes can add up to extra savings.

Worley offered another insulation tip that can be used everywhere in the house: By sealing leaks around windows, doors and sliding doors, consumers can shave up to 10 percent off their energy bill.

The kitchen is Cuomo's favorite room in the house.

To make the most of time he spends there with food and family, he invested in new appliances that are also energy friendly.

His stove is built to be super efficient; his fridge door is designed to seal in coldness. And his wife stocks up on organic food, which is good for the environment and the body.

Worley says that in the kitchen, sometimes more appliances can be beneficial than fewer. While some people might try to save energy by washing dishes by hand, Worley advised against it.