The number one New Year’s Resolution for 2011 is to save money, and while many financial experts would recommend increased savings, investing or getting out of debt; with electricity prices and the cost of gas going up, the best way to keep your New Year resolution of saving money is to save energy.

Not only does saving money on energy bills provide home owners the best return on your most valuable investment; your home, it also increases the comfort of your home and can earn 6% to 20% return on investment, compared to a savings account which barely yields ½ percent and a Certificate of Deposit that may get you 4% or 5%. By investing in energy saving work for your home you also avoid the impact of rising gas, oil, and electricity costs.

With EnergyWorks, homeowners in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties can upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes and save money through an unprecedented combination of rebates, tax credits, and low interest loans, together with highly trained and certified energy analysts and contractors. Energy Works is designed to help homeowners maximize their return by strategically investing in saving energy at home.

For example, a $2,000 investment = 10% reduction in your monthly energy bill with a $180 monthly bill, 10% x $180 = $18 per month. $18 x 12 = $216 per year.

Therefore, a $216 savings/$2,000 investment = a 10.8% return on your money! You can’t get that return on investment at any bank, investment bank or on the stock market.

Here are some other ways to save money and energy in the New Year.
• Install a programmable thermostat and turn it back by 10 to 15 degrees when you’re asleep or not at home can save around 10% a year on heating and cooling bills.
• Keep your hot water heater at 120◦ F and install a hot water heater insulating blanket. These two tips can save up to 5% to 10% in water heating energy cost.
• Unplug appliances when you’re not using them.
To learn more about Energy Works or schedule a home energy assessment, visit http://www.ecasavesenergy.org/energyworks and start saving today!