Some of the more expensive small appliances you use are: Vacuum cleaners at .18 cents per hour, hair dryers at .21 cents per hour and irons .14 cents per hour. Small appliances that are on all day, like clocks at .23 cents per month, answering machines at .95 cents per month and fax machines at .87 cents per month. These dollar amounts may sound small, but they add up.

1. One of the only ways you can save money on small appliances is to actually pull the plug when you are not using them. Appliances such as computers, calculators, stereos, VCR's, and toaster ovens will still consume electricity even though they are not turned on! You could be paying as much as $12 a month for appliances you are not using!

2. By unplugging your appliances that are not in use, you greatly cut down on the risk of fire and you also extend the life of the appliance.

Your washer & dryer -- 2 money saving tips:

Your washer costs from .13 cents per load (gas water heater) to .28 cents per load (electric water heater) to run. Your dryer costs you an additional .18 cents per load (gas) to .43 cents per load (electric).

1. By all means, wash full loads! Over 70% of the cost of washing a load of laundry is in heating the water. You will save yourself between .13 cents and .28 cents per load! The same rule applies to drying, always dry a full load.

2. Use cold water as often as possible. Washing in cold water will get most clothes just as clean. Besides, they'll fade less and have fewer wrinkles. You might even save on ironing costs! Save washing in warm water for whites or hard-to-clean items. Above all, always rinse in cold. You will save!

BONUS TIP: New washer alert!  If you're in the market for a new washer, consider buying a horizontal axis washer. It uses a third less water than a conventional top-load machine, so you can save up to 6,000 gallons of water a year and save on the energy costs associated with heating the water.

Your heating system -- 2 money saving tips:

During the colder months, your heating system is probably your biggest energy user, accounting for 16-21% of your monthly bill! A gas central furnace will cost you about .74 cents per hour. An electric central furnace will cost you about $1.98 per hour!

1. The best temperature for your heater's thermostat is 70 degrees F or below. Before bedtime, turn it down to 55 degrees F or lower (or even off) for more savings. Also, thermostats should never be turned up high to heat a home in a hurry, doing so won't heat your home any faster, and it will send your heating bills sky high!

2. Close your blinds and drapes at night. It'll help keep the cold out and stop your furnace from working any harder. Be sure to open your blinds in the morning so the warmth of the sun can help warm your home!